01
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
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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 erschüttern
to shake
'erschüttern' and 'beben' can both have to do with strong movement or trembling. The most important difference is the direction of the action: 'erschüttern' describes something causing something else to tremble. 'beben', on the other hand, describes the movement itself. The ground bebt, but an earthquake erschüttert the ground or a house. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur with earthquakes or strong impacts. Practically speaking: what moves bebt; what triggers this movement or strongly moves something erschüttert it.
beben
Nach dem schweren Stoß bebte der Boden noch einige Sekunden.
After the heavy impact, the ground quaked for a few more seconds.
erschüttern
Ein lauter Knall erschütterte am Abend die Fenster des Hauses.
A loud bang shook the windows of the house in the evening.
In real life
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