vermissen
/fɛɐ̯ˈmɪsn̩/
Definition
To feel sad because someone or something you care about is not with you; to miss someone or something.
Example
Ich vermisse meine Familie sehr, wenn ich reise.
Show translation
I miss my family a lot when I travel.
Etymology
From Middle High German *vermissen*, a compound of the prefix *ver-* (intensifying) and *missen* ("to be without, to lack"), cognate with English *miss*. The *ver-* prefix adds a sense of completeness or emotional depth to the base verb.
Cultural note
Germans use *vermissen* freely in both personal and professional contexts — it's perfectly natural to say *Wir vermissen Sie im Büro* ("We miss you at the office") without it sounding overly sentimental. Note the false friend trap for English speakers: the German word *missen* (without *ver-*) is rare and formal; everyday usage almost always uses *vermissen*.