German word

schleppen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃlɛpən/

Meaning

  • verbdrag

Example

Der Hund schleppte das Spielzeug über den Boden.

The dog dragged the toy across the floor.

Illustration for schleppen (drag)

More examples

Viele Menschen schleppen ungelöste Probleme aus der Vergangenheit mit sich.

Many people carry unresolved problems from the past around with them.

Core concept

A cumbersome object scrapes along behind its mover, or a tired body advances slowly as though it were a heavy load.

Common phrases

  • Ballast mit sich schleppen

    carry burdens around with you

  • lange Strecken schleppen

    haul over long distances

  • alte Akten schleppen

    carry old files around

Similar words

tragen: To carry something while supporting its weight with the arms or shoulders.
ziehen: To pull something toward oneself or in a specific direction with force.
schleifen: To drag something slowly along the ground while it scrapes against it.

Definition in German

Mühsam an einen Ort gehen; auch transitiv für etwas ziehen

Word origin

The modern verb continues Middle High German sleppen 'to drag', with the original dragging sense extending to carrying or moving something with visible effort.

Usage tips

  • Schleppen is stronger than neutral tragen because it highlights effort, awkwardness, or inconvenience rather than simple carrying.

Other meanings

  • haulverb
  • lugverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Schleppenhaulingnoun
  • schleppendslow-movingadjective
  • abschleppentow awayverb

Word lists with this word