01
erschüttern
to shake
To move someone deeply emotionally, shock them, or throw them emotionally off balance.
example
Die Nachricht von dem Unglück hat uns alle tief erschüttert.
The news of the accident deeply shook all of us.
erschüttern
to shake
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erschüttern' (to shake) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'schüttern' (to tremble, shake) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Die schlechte Nachricht erschütterte sie sehr.
The bad news shook her deeply.
Context clue
The meaning of 'erschüttern' (to shake) depends on the object. A person is emotionally shaken, a building physically, and an abstract concept such as trust or faith is shaken in a figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Die Bilder aus dem Kriegsgebiet haben mich erschüttert.
The images from the war zone shook me.
Typical collocations (emotional)
In the emotional meaning, the verb is often intensified by adverbs such as 'tief' (deeply), 'zutiefst' (most deeply), or 'bis ins Mark' (to the core) to express the strength of the feeling.
EXAMPLE
Ihr plötzlicher Tod hat uns alle zutiefst erschüttert.
Her sudden death shook us all deeply.
Typical collocations (abstract)
In the figurative sense, abstract nouns are often used as the object. Typical combinations are 'das Vertrauen erschüttern' (to shake trust), 'den Glauben erschüttern' (to shake faith), or 'die Grundfesten einer Sache erschüttern' (to shake the foundations of something).
EXAMPLE
Der Skandal droht, die Regierung in ihren Grundfesten zu erschüttern.
The scandal threatens to shake the government to its foundations.
Compare with
erschüttern vs bewegen
to move
'bewegen' and 'erschüttern' can both describe something that triggers strong emotions. 'bewegen' is broader and can also be used for quiet, sad, or beautiful feelings. 'erschüttern' is much stronger and usually negative. It means that someone is shocked or emotionally deeply affected by news or an event. If something merely touches someone or makes them thoughtful, 'bewegen' is a better fit. If something strongly disrupts someone's inner balance, 'erschüttern' is more precise.
erschüttern
Die Nachricht von dem Unfall hat die ganze Nachbarschaft erschüttert.
The news of the accident shook the whole neighborhood.
bewegen
Die ehrlichen Worte der Ärztin haben die Eltern bewegt.
The doctor's honest words moved the parents.
In real life
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