German word

flattern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈflatɐn/

Meaning

  • verbflutter

Example

Die Blätter flattern im Wind.

The leaves are fluttering in the wind.

Illustration for flattern (flutter)

More examples

Bei Lampenfieber flatterte ihre Stimme.

With stage fright, her voice fluttered.

Core concept

Something loose or light repeatedly flicks back and forth, like a flag, paper, or beating wings.

Common phrases

  • bei Lampenfieber flattert die Stimme

    one's voice flutters with stage fright

  • Schmetterlinge flattern im Bauch

    butterflies flutter in one's stomach

Similar words

wehen: Move slowly and continuously in one direction as wind blows.
schlagen: Beat vigorously against the air or nearby surfaces, like a flag in a gale.
rascheln: Produce a quiet rustling sound as leaves or paper touch and move.
fliegen: Travel through the air by actively beating wings.

Definition in German

etwas durch Luftzug oder innere Erregung schnell und leicht zittern oder hin- und herbewegen

Word origin

The verb flattern developed in Germanic speech as an expressive formation for quick, repeated movement and is related in form to English flutter.

Usage tips

  • For a flag or leaves moving in wind, flattern is more active and irregular than wehen, which mainly describes being blown or billowing.

Other meanings

  • waveverb
  • flapverb
  • palpitateverb

Opposites

  • stillstehenstand stillverb

Related words

  • das Flatternflutternoun
  • flatterndflutteringadjective

Word lists with this word