hämmern
to hammer
To hit something repeatedly and forcefully with a hammer, for example to drive a nail into the wall.
EXAMPLE
Der Zimmermann hämmert die Bretter für das Dach fest.
The carpenter is hammering the boards for the roof into place.
hämmern
to hammer
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Meanings
hämmern
to pound
To throb, pound, or knock strongly and rhythmically. This can refer to the heart, loud music, or heavy rain.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Prüfung hämmerte mein Herz vor Aufregung.
Before the exam, my heart was pounding with excitement.
hämmern
to hammer
Colloquial for typing loudly and energetically on a keyboard.
EXAMPLE
Er hämmerte wütend eine E-Mail in seinen Laptop.
He angrily hammered an email into his laptop.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'hämmern' (to hammer) is derived directly from the noun 'der Hammer' (hammer). So the basic meaning is to do something as if you were using a hammer.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche einen Hammer, um den Nagel in die Wand zu hämmern.
I need a hammer to hammer the nail into the wall.
Typical prepositions
Different prepositions are used depending on the context. You hammer a nail 'in' die Wand (into the wall), you hammer 'auf' einen Gegenstand (on an object), or the heart pounds 'gegen' die Rippen (against the ribs).
EXAMPLE
Der Schmied hämmert auf das heiße Eisen.
The blacksmith is hammering on the hot iron.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'hämmern' (to pound) describes a strong, rhythmic sound or feeling. It is often used without an object, for example when referring to the heart, loud music, or heavy rain.
EXAMPLE
Ich war so nervös, dass mein Herz wie wild hämmerte.
I was so nervous that my heart was pounding like crazy.
Colloquial
The use of 'hämmern' (to hammer) for loud typing on a keyboard is colloquial. It emphasizes the energy or anger involved in writing.
EXAMPLE
Er saß am Schreibtisch und hämmerte einen langen Bericht in den Computer.
He sat at the desk and hammered a long report into the computer.
Compare with
hämmern vs klopfen
to knock / beat / tap
Both words can express rhythmic striking against a surface. „Klopfen“ generally refers to normal or moderate knocking, while „hämmern“ conveys considerably more force and intensity. Choose „hämmern“ when the knocking seems very loud or violent.
hämmern
Er hämmerte so laut an die Tür, dass alle im Haus aufwachten.
He pounded on the door so loudly that everyone in the house woke up.
klopfen
Sie klopfte vorsichtig an die Tür, damit sie die Kinder nicht weckte.
She knocked carefully on the door so she wouldn't wake the children.
In real life
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