That means to unsettle or to unnerve. And that is what German interior minister Thomas de Maizière definitely did NOT want to do by refusing to explain in detail why the soccer match in Hanover had to be cancelled last night, saying “that would only unsettle the public.”

So now the public is just plain scared instead.

Although, on the other hand, there are some pretty good German tweets cashing in on that line right now: “How do I look this morning, honey?” “I’d rather not say. Part of my answer would only unsettle you.”

Er möchte die Menschen nicht verunsichern. Doch gerade das macht vielen Angst.