German Conversation · Level 37
75 words
German word
wirbeln
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈvɪɐ̯bl̩n/
Meaning
- verbswirl
Example
Das Laub wirbelt über den Gehweg.
The leaves are swirling over the sidewalk.
More examples
Der Wind wirbelt das Papier durch die Luft.
The wind whirls the paper through the air.
Core concept
Loose leaves or dust caught in a fast circular motion, either rising because something stirs them or moving on their own.
Common phrases
wirbelt durch die Luft
whirls through the air
wirbelt das Laub hoch
whirls the leaves upward
wirbelt den Staub auf
whirls up the dust
Similar words
aufwirbeln: Causing dust or small debris to rise and spread through the air.
rühren: Combining a liquid or material thoroughly into an even mixture.
stieben: Scattering tiny particles or sparks rapidly in all directions.
Definition in German
etwas heftig drehen oder herumwirbeln und dadurch Teile in die Luft treiben; auch intransitiv für leichtes Umherdrehen
Word origin
Wirbeln is the frequentative form of Middle High German wirben, a verb for moving in a whirl, and is related to the noun Wirbel.
Usage tips
- The separable verb aufwirbeln means to send dust or debris into the air, while plain wirbeln can describe movement without a stated cause.