German Conversation · Level 18
90 words
German word
rollen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʁɔlən/
Meaning
- verbroll
Example
Der Ball rollt den Hügel hinunter.
The ball rolls down the hill.
More examples
Der Junge rollt den Ball über die Wiese.
The boy rolls the ball across the meadow.
Core concept
A ball or cylinder turns continuously as it travels, transferring rotational motion into forward movement or starting motion in another object.
Common phrases
einen Ball rollen
roll a ball
einen Wagen rollen
roll a cart
Similar words
schieben: Push an object so that it moves ahead.
ziehen: Pull an object closer toward the person applying the force.
drehen: Spin around a central axis without traveling forward.
Definition in German
durch Rotation um die eigene Achse vorwärts oder herum bewegen; transitiv: durch Drehung in Bewegung setzen
Word origin
The German verb rollen is a borrowing transmitted through Middle High German from Old French roler and linked ultimately to Latin rotulus, a small wheel.
Usage tips
- In 'etwas ins Rollen bringen', 'Rollen' is capitalized because the infinitive is substantivized, and the phrase means to set a process in motion.