durcheinander
Translation
confused, jumbled, in a mess, muddled
Examples
Alle Papiere liegen durcheinander.
All the papers are in a mess.
Er redete völlig durcheinander.
He was talking in a completely confused way.
Bring bitte nichts durcheinander.
Please don't mix anything up.
Grammar Patterns
to be durcheinander to be in a mess/confused My room is completely durcheinander.
((sth.)) durcheinander bringen to mix (sth.) up Don't bring my papers durcheinander.
Similar Words
Synonyms: chaotisch (chaotic), ungeordnet (disordered), verwirrt (confused)
Etymology
Composed of 'durch' (through) and 'einander' (each other). The literal meaning 'through each other' perfectly captures the idea of a jumble or mess.
Memory Tips
Picture threads tangled by going 'through each other' to remember the meaning of being jumbled or confused.