poltern
to rumble / clatter
To cause a loud, dull, or clattering noise, especially by hitting, falling, or moving objects.
EXAMPLE
Im Keller polterte es die ganze Nacht.
There was a rumbling noise in the basement all night.
poltern
to rumble / clatter
poltern – polterte – hat gepoltert
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Meanings
poltern
to move noisily
To move loudly and heavily, making noise in the process.
EXAMPLE
Er polterte mit seinen schweren Stiefeln die Treppe hinauf.
He clattered up the stairs in his heavy boots.
poltern
to rant
To speak or act in a rough, loud, and uncontrolled manner, often by harshly criticizing others.
EXAMPLE
Der Abgeordnete polterte gegen die Entscheidungen der Regierung.
The member of parliament railed against the government's decisions.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry poltern, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Present
| ich | poltere poltre |
|---|---|
| du | polterst |
| er/sie/es | poltert |
| wir | poltern |
| ihr | poltert |
| sie | poltern |
Simple past
| ich | polterte |
|---|---|
| du | poltertest |
| er/sie/es | polterte |
| wir | polterten |
| ihr | poltertet |
| sie | polterten |
Perfect
with haben
| ich | habe gepoltert |
|---|---|
| du | hast gepoltert |
| er/sie/es | hat gepoltert |
| wir | haben gepoltert |
| ihr | habt gepoltert |
| sie | haben gepoltert |
Commands
| du | poltre! poltere!, polter! |
|---|---|
| ihr | poltert! |
| Sie | poltern Sie! |
Past perfect
| ich | hatte gepoltert |
|---|---|
| du | hattest gepoltert |
| er/sie/es | hatte gepoltert |
| wir | hatten gepoltert |
| ihr | hattet gepoltert |
| sie | hatten gepoltert |
Future
| ich | werde poltern |
|---|---|
| du | wirst poltern |
| er/sie/es | wird poltern |
| wir | werden poltern |
| ihr | werdet poltern |
| sie | werden poltern |
Subjunctive I
| ich | poltere poltre |
|---|---|
| du | polterst |
| er/sie/es | poltere poltre |
| wir | poltern |
| ihr | poltert |
| sie | poltern |
Used for reported speech.
Subjunctive II
| ich | polterte |
|---|---|
| du | poltertest |
| er/sie/es | polterte |
| wir | polterten |
| ihr | poltertet |
| sie | polterten |
Used for wishes and “would”.
Other forms
| infinitive | poltern |
|---|---|
| with zu | zu poltern |
| present participle | polternd |
| past participle | gepoltert |
Usage tips
Impersonal subject
For an unknown or unspecified noise, 'poltern' (to rumble / clatter) is often used with the impersonal 'es' (it/there). However, the noise can also be caused by a specified object.
EXAMPLE
Nach Mitternacht polterte es plötzlich auf dem Dachboden.
After midnight, there was suddenly a rumbling noise in the attic.
Direction of movement
When describing a loud, heavy movement, 'poltern' (to move noisily) is often used with an indication of direction, for example 'die Treppe hinauf' (up the stairs) or 'ins Zimmer' (into the room). 'Mit' (with) can also indicate what causes the noises.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund polterte mit seinen nassen Pfoten ins Wohnzimmer.
The dog clattered into the living room on its wet paws.
Against something
In the meaning 'laut und grob kritisieren' (to criticize loudly and harshly), 'poltern' (to rant) is often used with 'gegen' (against) and a person, group, or decision. This usage usually describes a heated and not very objective performance.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer polterte gegen die Kritik der Vereinsführung.
The coach railed against the club management's criticism.
In real life
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