to haunt / circulate
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to circulate
Used figuratively for an idea, rumor, or piece of information that is in circulation and keeps reappearing without being tangible or confirmed.
Die Idee einer viertägigen Arbeitswoche geistert schon länger durch die Medien.
The idea of a four-day workweek has been circulating in the media for quite some time.
to haunt
To stay and move around in a place like a ghost; to haunt.
Der Legende nach soll der Geist eines Ritters in dieser alten Burg geistern.
According to legend, the ghost of a knight is said to haunt this old castle.
to wander around
Colloquial for a person wandering around aimlessly, often at night or in a confused state.
Er konnte nicht schlafen und geisterte die ganze Nacht durch die Wohnung.
He couldn't sleep and wandered around the apartment all night.
The verb 'geistern' comes from the noun 'der Geist' (the ghost/spirit). All meanings have to do with the idea of a ghost that wanders around invisibly, intangibly, or aimlessly.
Man sagt, in dem alten Hotel soll es geistern.
People say that the old hotel is haunted.
'Geistern' is often used with prepositions that describe movement through a space. Typical ones are 'durch' (through), 'in' (in), or the adverb 'umher' (around).
Die Katze geisterte die ganze Nacht durchs Haus.
The cat wandered through the house all night.
The subject of the sentence reveals the meaning: if it is an idea or a rumor, it is about circulating. If it is a ghost, it is about haunting. If it is a person, that person is wandering around.
Der Plan einer neuen Steuer geistert durch die Nachrichten.
The plan for a new tax is circulating in the news.
When a person 'geistert' (wanders around), it is colloquial. It often describes aimless or almost sleepwalking-like wandering, usually at night or when someone is confused.
Was geisterst du um diese Zeit noch in der Küche herum?
Why are you still wandering around the kitchen at this hour?
to circulate
Geistern and kursieren can both express that a rumor is being passed on and is in circulation. Geistern additionally emphasizes that the information seems elusive or unconfirmed, whereas kursieren describes its circulation neutrally. Use kursieren for a matter-of-fact statement and geistern for a vague rumor.
Seit Tagen geistert das unbestätigte Gerücht durch die Stadt.
For days, the unconfirmed rumor has been circulating around the city.
Seit Tagen kursiert das Gerücht durch die Stadt.
For days, the rumor has been circulating throughout the city.
