German word

zerren

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈt͡sɛʁən/

Meaning

  • verbpull

Example

Er zerrt an der Tür, aber sie öffnet sich nicht.

He is pulling at the door, but it won't open.

Illustration for zerren (pull)

More examples

Das Kind zerrt am Ärmel der Jacke.

The child is pulling at the sleeve of the jacket.

Core concept

A harsh tug makes an object jerk, a person stumble, or a muscle hurt.

Common phrases

  • an der Leine zerren

    pull at the leash

  • am Ärmel zerren

    pull at the sleeve

  • an den Haaren zerren

    pull at the hair

Similar words

ziehen: Pull steadily or gently to move a person or object.
reißen: Pull with enough force to tear or rip something.
schleppen: Drag or carry something heavy with prolonged effort.
zupfen: Give a small part a brief, light tug.

Definition in German

mit heftigem Ruck oder Zug an etwas ziehen, wodurch es beschädigt oder jemand verletzt werden kann

Word origin

Zerren is attested in Middle High German as zerren, while its deeper origin is not certain.

Usage tips

  • Unlike neutral ziehen, zerren suggests forceful, often rough pulling and may imply damage or injury.

Other meanings

  • dragverb
  • strainverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Zerrungstrainnoun
  • zerrendtearingadjective

Word lists with this word