German word

tummeln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʊml̩n/

Meaning

  • verbromp

Example

Die Kinder tummeln sich auf dem Spielplatz.

The children are romping around on the playground.

Illustration for tummeln (romp)

More examples

Im Sandkasten tummeln sich die Kinder.

The children are frolicking in the sandbox.

Core concept

A lively group darting, playing, and shifting around within a shared space.

Common phrases

  • sich tummeln im Sandkasten

    frolic in the sandbox

  • auf dem Schulhof tummeln sich

    frolic in the schoolyard

  • in der Szene tummeln sich

    hang around in the scene

Similar words

toben: Run around vigorously and noisily, often with shouts or rough play.
austoben: Use up energy through intense, uninhibited play.
herumtollen: Frolic around by tumbling, leaping, and playing excitedly.
albern: Act silly and playful in a joking or clownish way.

Definition in German

sich an einem Ort lebhaft und verspielt bewegen oder miteinander spielen

Word origin

The inherited Germanic verb tummeln preserves an older sense of active movement that developed into moving about playfully or busily.

Usage tips

  • A location after sich tummeln usually takes auf or in with the dative, as in auf dem Spielplatz for a stationary location.

Other meanings

  • frolicverb

Opposites

  • ruhenrestverb
  • sich beruhigensettle downverb

Related words

  • das Tummelnfrolickingnoun
  • Tummelplatzgathering placenoun
  • tummeliglivelyadjective

Word lists with this word