01
gleiten
glide
To move smoothly and continuously over a surface, often with little friction.
example
Der Schwan glitt majestätisch über das Wasser.
The swan glided majestically across the water.
gleiten
to glide
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'sein'
'Gleiten' (to glide) always forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). This is because it describes movement or a change of state, even if it is slow and gentle.
EXAMPLE
Der Eiskunstläufer ist elegant über das Eis geglitten.
The figure skater glided elegantly across the ice.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'gleiten' (to glide) is often used with prepositions that describe a surface. Common combinations are 'über das Wasser gleiten' (to glide across the water), 'über das Eis gleiten' (to glide across the ice), or 'durch die Luft gleiten' (to glide through the air).
EXAMPLE
Das Segelflugzeug ist lautlos durch die Luft geglitten.
The glider glided silently through the air.
Figurative meaning
The figurative meaning describes a slow, almost unnoticed transition. A typical structure here is 'in einen Zustand gleiten' (to slip into a state), for example 'in den Schlaf gleiten' (to slip into sleep) or 'in eine Krise gleiten' (to slip into a crisis).
EXAMPLE
Das Land ist langsam in eine wirtschaftliche Krise geglitten.
The country slowly slipped into an economic crisis.
Compare with
gleiten vs fahren
to drive / ride
'über etwas fahren' (to run over something) and 'gleiten' (to glide) both describe movement over a surface. 'über etwas fahren' is often used when a hand or an object moves over something. It is fairly neutral and only says what is happening. 'gleiten' emphasizes that the movement is smooth, calm, and without much resistance. It fits well when the manner of movement is important. So you can run your hand over a surface; if that feels especially smooth and easy, it can 'gleiten' over it.
gleiten
Das Boot gleitet ruhig über den See.
The boat glides calmly across the lake.
fahren
Zur Kontrolle fuhr die Ärztin mit dem Finger über die kleine Narbe.
To check it, the doctor ran her finger over the small scar.
In real life
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