hüpfen
to hop
To move with small, light jumps, often with both legs at the same time. This can express joy, excitement, or playful behavior.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder hüpften vor Freude im Garten herum.
The children hopped around the garden with joy.
hüpfen
to hop
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Meanings
hüpfen
to leap
Used figuratively for the heart, when it beats quickly and strongly because of great joy or excitement.
EXAMPLE
Mein Herz hüpfte, als ich die gute Nachricht hörte.
My heart leapt when I heard the good news.
Usage tips
Auxiliary verb: sein or haben
For the perfect tense, 'hüpfen' (to hop) can use both auxiliary verbs. Use 'sein' when movement from one place to another is described. Use 'haben' when the movement takes place in one spot.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind ist fröhlich über die Wiese gehüpft.
The child happily hopped across the meadow.
Typical collocations
'Hüpfen' (to hop) is often associated with children or small animals like rabbits and frogs. A very common phrase is 'vor Freude hüpfen' (to jump for joy), used to express great excitement.
EXAMPLE
Als sie das Geschenk sah, hüpfte sie vor Freude auf und ab.
When she saw the present, she jumped up and down for joy.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, the subject is always 'das Herz' (the heart). The phrase 'das Herz hüpft vor Freude' (the heart leaps for joy) is a figurative way to say that someone is very happy or excited.
EXAMPLE
Sein Herz hüpfte vor Freude, als er sie nach langer Zeit wieder sah.
His heart leapt for joy when he saw her again after such a long time.
Compare with
hüpfen vs schlagen
to hit / beat
Both words can describe a rapidly beating heart during intense excitement. „Schlagen“ remains the neutral term for a heartbeat, while „hüpfen“ expresses, figuratively, a light, lively movement that is usually associated with joy. Use „schlagen“ for a factual description and „hüpfen“ when joy or excited anticipation is the focus.
hüpfen
Vor Freude hüpfte ihr Herz, als sie die gute Nachricht hörte.
Her heart leaped with joy when she heard the good news.
schlagen
Vor dem Gespräch schlug ihr Herz wegen der Aufregung schnell.
Her heart was beating fast with nervousness before the conversation.
In real life
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