mausern
Translation
to molt, to shed feathers, (sich) to develop, (sich) to blossom
Examples
Der Kanarienvogel mausert im Frühling.
The canary molts in the spring.
Der schüchterne Junge hat sich richtig gemausert.
The shy boy has really blossomed.
Grammar Patterns
sich mausern to develop, to blossom (for people) The boy has really blossomed in one year.
mausern to molt (for birds, etc.) The parrot molts twice a year.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sich verändern (to change), sich entwickeln (to develop)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'mūzen', related to Latin 'mutare' (to change).
Memory Tips
Imagine a mouse ('Maus') changing its fur to a new, better one. This links both meanings: molting and developing into something better.