fackeln
to hesitate
To hesitate or fail to make a decision even though action is necessary or possible.
EXAMPLE
Fackel nicht so lange, sondern sag ihm endlich die Wahrheit.
Don't hesitate for so long—just finally tell him the truth.
fackeln
to hesitate
fackeln – fackelte – hat gefackelt
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Meanings
nicht lange fackeln
not to hesitate for long
To act quickly and decisively without hesitating for long.
EXAMPLE
Sie fackelte nicht lange und sprang ins kalte Wasser.
She didn't hesitate for long and jumped into the cold water.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry fackeln, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Present
| ich | fackle fackele |
|---|---|
| du | fackelst |
| er/sie/es | fackelt |
| wir | fackeln |
| ihr | fackelt |
| sie | fackeln |
Simple past
| ich | fackelte |
|---|---|
| du | fackeltest |
| er/sie/es | fackelte |
| wir | fackelten |
| ihr | fackeltet |
| sie | fackelten |
Perfect
with haben
| ich | habe gefackelt |
|---|---|
| du | hast gefackelt |
| er/sie/es | hat gefackelt |
| wir | haben gefackelt |
| ihr | habt gefackelt |
| sie | haben gefackelt |
Commands
| du | fackel! fackele!, fackle! |
|---|---|
| ihr | fackelt! |
| Sie | fackeln Sie! |
Past perfect
| ich | hatte gefackelt |
|---|---|
| du | hattest gefackelt |
| er/sie/es | hatte gefackelt |
| wir | hatten gefackelt |
| ihr | hattet gefackelt |
| sie | hatten gefackelt |
Future
| ich | werde fackeln |
|---|---|
| du | wirst fackeln |
| er/sie/es | wird fackeln |
| wir | werden fackeln |
| ihr | werdet fackeln |
| sie | werden fackeln |
Subjunctive I
| ich | fackele fackle |
|---|---|
| du | fackelst facklest |
| er/sie/es | fackele fackle |
| wir | fackeln |
| ihr | fackelt facklet |
| sie | fackeln |
Used for reported speech.
Subjunctive II
| ich | fackelte |
|---|---|
| du | fackeltest |
| er/sie/es | fackelte |
| wir | fackelten |
| ihr | fackeltet |
| sie | fackelten |
Used for wishes and “would”.
Other forms
| infinitive | fackeln |
|---|---|
| with zu | zu fackeln |
| present participle | fackelnd |
| past participle | gefackelt |
Usage tips
Colloquial style
'Fackeln' (to hesitate) is mainly used in spoken, colloquial language. In factual or formal texts, it often sounds too casual.
EXAMPLE
Was fackelst du noch so lange? Ruf sie einfach an!
What are you still hesitating for? Just call her!
Typical collocation
In the meaning 'zögern' (to hesitate), 'fackeln' often appears with a time expression such as 'lange' (for long) or 'zu lange' (for too long). It is especially common in commands.
EXAMPLE
Fackel nicht lange, wenn du die Antwort schon kennst.
Don't hesitate for long if you already know the answer.
Fixed expression
The expression 'nicht lange fackeln' (not to hesitate for long) is often followed by 'und' (and), after which the quick action is described. This is how the decisive meaning can be recognized from the context.
EXAMPLE
Er fackelte nicht lange und unterschrieb den Vertrag sofort.
He didn't hesitate for long and signed the contract immediately.
In real life
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