to circulate
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to circulate
Describes the spread of information, rumors, jokes, or even counterfeit money that is passed from person to person and is thus in circulation.
Im Büro kursiert das Gerücht, dass die Chefin bald kündigt.
A rumor is circulating in the office that the boss is going to quit soon.
The verb 'kursieren' (to circulate) is related to the noun 'der Kurs' (course/rate) and comes from the Latin word for 'to run.' So it describes how something figuratively 'runs' from place to place or from person to person and spreads in that way.
Aktuell kursiert eine neue Betrugsmasche im Internet.
A new scam is currently circulating on the internet.
'Kursieren' (to circulate) is an intransitive verb. This means it does not take an accusative object. The thing that is in circulation (e.g., a rumor or money) is always the subject of the sentence.
In der Schule kursierten viele Geschichten über den neuen Lehrer.
Many stories about the new teacher were circulating at school.
In the meaning 'sich verbreiten' (to spread), 'kursieren' (to circulate) is often used with information or digital content. Typical subjects are: a rumor, a message/news item, a joke, a video, or an email.
Das Video von dem Konzert kursierte schnell in den sozialen Medien.
The video from the concert quickly circulated on social media.
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that the subject is always a form of money or a security. Common subjects are: money, counterfeit money, coins, banknotes, or a currency.
Es kursiert Falschgeld, also sei vorsichtig bei großen Scheinen.
Counterfeit money is circulating, so be careful with large bills.
to apply / be valid
'gelten' and 'kursieren' can both express that something is present or effective in a certain area. 'gelten' is used when rules, laws, offers, or tickets are valid. So it is about whether something is allowed, effective, or officially recognized. 'kursieren' is used when something is in circulation and being passed on, for example rumors, information, or money. The words can be confused because with money or official things, you might think of both. But a rule 'gilt' (applies / is valid), while a rumor or money 'kursiert' (circulates).
Im Büro kursieren seit dem Morgen viele Gerüchte über die neue Chefin.
Since this morning, many rumors about the new boss have been circulating in the office.
Das Ticket gilt heute den ganzen Tag in allen Bussen.
The ticket is valid all day today on all buses.