01
kippen
to tip / topple
To bring something into a slanted position, or for it to be brought into one, so that it falls over or its contents are poured out.
example
Pass auf, dass du das Glas nicht kippst!
Be careful not to tip the glass!
kippen
to tip / to topple
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Auxiliary verb: haben or sein?
The perfect tense of 'kippen' (to tip/topple) is formed with 'haben' when it describes an active action. It is formed with 'sein' when it expresses an uncontrolled change of state, for example with a mood or a body of water.
EXAMPLE
Er hat das Wasser aus dem Eimer gekippt.
He tipped the water out of the bucket.
Transitive vs. intransitive
'Kippen' (to tip/topple) can be used with or without an accusative object. With an object, it means that someone actively knocks something over. Without an object, it means that something loses its balance and falls over by itself.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind hat meinen Stuhl gekippt.
The wind tipped over my chair.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'kippen' (to turn) describes how a situation, an opinion, or the mood suddenly and unexpectedly becomes negative. It is often used for abstract things.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst waren alle für den Plan, doch dann kippte die Meinung der Mehrheit.
At first everyone was in favor of the plan, but then the majority opinion turned.
Political context
In news reports or political discussions, 'kippen' (to overturn) often means that a court or government stops a law, plan, or regulation or declares it invalid.
EXAMPLE
Das oberste Gericht hat das umstrittene Gesetz gestern gekippt.
The supreme court overturned the controversial law yesterday.
Colloquial usage
In colloquial language, 'kippen' (to knock back) means to drink a beverage, usually alcohol, quickly. This usage is very informal and has a slightly negative connotation.
EXAMPLE
Er hat auf der Party ein Bier nach dem anderen gekippt.
At the party, he knocked back one beer after another.
Compare with
kippen vs aufheben
to pick up / keep / cancel
'aufheben' and 'kippen' can both mean that a law, plan, or decision is no longer valid or is stopped. 'aufheben' sounds more official and more precise, especially with rules, laws, and court decisions. 'kippen' is often somewhat more colloquial or journalistic and emphasizes that something falls through or fails. Learners may confuse the words because the result is similar. When an authority or a court officially invalidates a rule, 'aufheben' fits very well. When a plan suddenly does not continue or fails politically, 'kippen' often sounds more natural.
kippen
Nach viel Kritik kippt der Gemeinderat den neuen Bauplan.
After a lot of criticism, the municipal council overturns the new building plan.
aufheben
Die Stadt hebt das Verbot nach drei Wochen wieder auf.
The city lifts the ban again after three weeks.
In real life
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