to murmur / to play marbles
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to murmur
To speak quietly, indistinctly, and often in a monotonous tone, so that it is hard for others to understand.
Er saß in der Ecke und murmelte etwas Unverständliches in seinen Bart.
He sat in the corner and murmured something unintelligible into his beard.
The word 'murmeln' (to murmur) is onomatopoeic. The sound of the word itself recalls the quiet, indistinct, or flowing sound it describes.
Das Murmeln der Stimmen im Nebenraum war kaum zu hören.
The murmur of voices in the next room was barely audible.
The context, especially the subject of the sentence, makes the meaning clear. People murmur words, water, for example a stream, murmurs as a sound, and children 'murmeln' (play marbles) as a game.
Der Patient murmelte etwas im Schlaf.
The patient murmured something in his sleep.
When a person murmurs, this is often combined with adverbs or prepositional phrases that emphasize the indistinctness. Common expressions are 'vor sich hin murmeln' (to murmur to oneself) or 'etwas in seinen Bart murmeln' (to murmur something into one's beard).
Er war mit der Entscheidung nicht einverstanden und murmelte etwas vor sich hin.
He did not agree with the decision and murmured something to himself.
to rustle / hiss / sweep
'rauschen' and 'murmeln' can both describe a quiet, steady sound made by water. 'rauschen' usually sounds somewhat stronger, broader, and more distinct, for example with a river, rain, or wind. 'murmeln' fits especially well with a small stream or water that flows calmly and quietly. The words can be confused because both describe sounds of nature. If the sound is fuller and stronger, 'rauschen' is more natural. If it sounds small, calm, and gentle, 'murmeln' fits better.
Neben dem Weg murmelt ein kleiner Bach zwischen den Steinen.
Beside the path, a small stream murmurs between the stones.
Am Morgen rauscht der Fluss hinter dem Campingplatz.
In the morning, the river rushes behind the campsite.