das Klopfen
knocking
The repeated striking or tapping against a surface, usually with a hand or an object.
EXAMPLE
Durch lautes Klopfen an der Tür machte sie auf sich aufmerksam.
By knocking loudly on the door, she drew attention to herself.
das Klopfen
knocking
das Klopfen
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Meanings
das Klopfen
knocking
An audible sound produced by repeated striking or tapping.
EXAMPLE
Im ganzen Haus war das Klopfen der Heizungsrohre zu hören.
The knocking of the heating pipes could be heard throughout the house.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Klopfen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Klopfens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Klopfen | – |
| accusative | das Klopfen | – |
| dative | dem Klopfen | – |
| genitive | des Klopfens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Klopfen' (knocking) is the verb 'klopfen' (to knock) used as a noun. In the phrase 'beim Klopfen' (while knocking), you can express that something happens during this activity.
EXAMPLE
Beim Klopfen mit dem Hammer musst du auf deine Finger achten.
When hammering, you need to watch your fingers.
Correct preposition
With 'an + dative', you can name the surface that someone is knocking against. Typical combinations are 'Klopfen an der Tür' (knocking on the door) and 'Klopfen am Fenster' (knocking on the window).
EXAMPLE
Trotz ihres kräftigen Klopfens am Fenster bemerkte sie niemand.
Despite her vigorous knocking on the window, nobody noticed her.
Typical collocations
A knocking sound is often described as 'leises Klopfen' (soft knocking), 'lautes Klopfen' (loud knocking), or 'dumpfes Klopfen' (dull knocking). With 'ein Klopfen hören' (to hear a knocking sound), you can mention the sound even if you do not yet know what is causing it.
EXAMPLE
Nachts hörte ich ein dumpfes Klopfen aus dem Keller.
At night, I heard a dull knocking sound coming from the basement.
In real life
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