German Conversation · Level 32
91 words
German word
beben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈbeːbən/
Meaning
- verbtremble
Example
Vor Angst bebte seine Stimme.
His voice trembled with fear.
More examples
Beim Donner bebte das Fenster.
The window trembled during the thunder.
Core concept
A voice, floor, or body quivers in uneven waves that seem to pass through it.
Common phrases
vor Angst beben
tremble with fear
die Stimme beben
voice tremble
Similar words
zittern: To shake with small, rapid movements, especially in the hands or body.
bibbern: To tremble visibly from cold or fear, often throughout the body.
schlottern: To shake uncontrollably when muscle strength gives way.
vibrieren: To vibrate rapidly in tiny movements, especially in a machine or object.
Definition in German
beben bedeutet, in wellenartigen oder ruckartigen Bewegungen zu erzittern, meist ohne eigenes Zutun.
Word origin
The verb beben is inherited from Germanic and is related to Dutch beven.
Usage tips
- Beben often describes a voice, building, or the ground, while zittern is more usual for a person's bodily trembling.
Other meanings
- shakeverb
- vibrateverb
Opposites
- erstarrenstiffenverb
Related words
- das Bebentremornoun
- bebendtremblingadjective