German word

hüpfen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhʏpfən/

Meaning

  • verbhop

Example

Das Kaninchen hüpft im Garten.

The rabbit is hopping in the garden.

Illustration for hüpfen (hop)

More examples

Die Kinder hüpfen über Pfützen.

The children jump over puddles.

Core concept

A small springing motion that lifts the body briefly and lands softly.

Common phrases

  • in kleinen Sprüngen hüpfen

    jump in small leaps

  • auf und ab hüpfen

    jump up and down

  • über Pfützen hüpfen

    jump over puddles

Similar words

springen: To jump forcefully once, reaching a greater height or distance.

Definition in German

hüpfen beschreibt eine leichte, oft rhythmische Aufwärtsbewegung der Beine; das Verb wird in der Regel ohne direktes Objekt gebraucht.

Word origin

The modern verb hüpfen continues Middle High German hupfen and shares an inherited Germanic origin with English hop.

Usage tips

  • Hüpfen often suggests a small or repeated movement, while springen is the broader German verb for jumping and leaping.

Other meanings

  • jumpverb
  • bounceverb

Opposites

  • stehen bleibenremain standingverb

Related words

  • Hüpferjumpernoun

Word lists with this word