to haunt / circulate
Loading your saved state.
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.
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 handle / avoid / circulate
'umgehen' and 'geistern' can both express that a rumor, idea, or piece of information is circulating. 'umgehen' is more neutral and simply says that something is spreading. 'geistern' sounds more figurative: an idea or rumor keeps appearing, but is often unclear or unconfirmed. Learners may confuse the words because both fit with rumors. If you want to say objectively that something is widespread or circulating, use 'umgehen' more often. If something is vague, unsettled, or keeps coming up in conversations, 'geistern' works well.
Seit Montag geistert die Idee einer Vier-Tage-Woche durch die Firma.
Since Monday, the idea of a four-day workweek has been circulating around the company.
Nach der Besprechung geht im Büro ein neues Gerücht um.
After the meeting, a new rumor is circulating around the office.