beben
to quake
To make a violent, trembling movement. Often used for the earth during an earthquake or for the ground during a shock.
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Erdbeben hat die ganze Erde gebebt.
During the earthquake, the whole earth quaked.
beben
to tremble / quake
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Meanings
beben
to tremble
To shake all over, usually because of a strong emotion such as anger, fear, or also cold.
EXAMPLE
Er bebte vor Zorn, als er die Nachricht hörte.
He trembled with anger when he heard the news.
beben
to tremble
When a person's voice sounds unsteady and shaky because of excitement or another strong emotion.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Stimme bebte, als sie sich für das Geschenk bedankte.
Her voice trembled as she thanked them for the gift.
Usage tips
Context clue
The context shows what kind of 'beben' is meant. If it refers to 'die Erde' (the earth) or 'der Boden' (the ground), it is about a physical shaking. If it refers to a person, a body part, or the voice, it means a reaction to emotions or cold.
EXAMPLE
Als der schwere Zug vorbeifuhr, bebten die Wände des alten Hauses.
When the heavy train passed by, the walls of the old house trembled.
Trembling with feeling
When a person trembles because of a strong emotion or cold, this is often expressed with the preposition 'vor' plus the feeling in the dative. Typical combinations are 'vor Wut beben' (to tremble with anger), 'vor Angst beben' (to tremble with fear), or 'vor Kälte beben' (to tremble with cold).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder standen am Beckenrand und bebten vor Kälte.
The children stood at the edge of the pool and trembled with cold.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of a shock or shaking, 'beben' is almost always used in connection with 'die Erde' (the earth) or 'der Boden' (the ground). It is the classic verb for describing earthquakes.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Explosion bebte der Boden in der gesamten Nachbarschaft.
During the explosion, the ground quaked throughout the entire neighborhood.
Trembling voice
When a voice sounds unsteady, 'beben' is the appropriate verb. The reason is often given with 'vor' + dative or in a subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Stimme bebte vor Rührung, als sie die Dankesrede hielt.
Her voice trembled with emotion as she gave the thank-you speech.
Compare with
beben vs Erdbeben
earthquake
Erdbeben refers to the specific natural event in which the Earth's surface moves strongly. The verb „beben“ describes the trembling movement itself and can also refer to the ground during another kind of shock. Use „Erdbeben“ for the event and „beben“ for the movement.
beben
Nach dem lauten Knall begann der Boden unter unseren Füßen zu beben.
After the loud bang, the ground began to tremble beneath our feet.
Erdbeben
Das Erdbeben in der Nacht ließ die Häuser lange schwanken.
The earthquake during the night made the houses sway for a long time.
In real life
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