pumpen
to pump
To move a liquid or gas from one place to another using a pump.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr musste das Wasser aus dem vollgelaufenen Keller pumpen.
The fire department had to pump the water out of the flooded basement.
pumpen
to pump
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Meanings
pumpen
to pump iron
Colloquial for strength training, especially with weights, in order to build muscle.
EXAMPLE
Er geht dreimal pro Woche ins Fitnessstudio, um zu pumpen.
He goes to the gym three times a week to pump iron.
pumpen
to pump up
To force air into something in order to inflate it, for example a tire or a ball.
EXAMPLE
Bevor wir losfahren können, muss ich noch die Fahrradreifen pumpen.
Before we can set off, I still have to pump up the bicycle tires.
pumpen
to pump
Describes the strong and fast beating of the heart, often because of exertion or excitement.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sprint die Treppe hoch musste ich erst mal tief durchatmen, mein Herz pumpte wie verrückt.
After sprinting up the stairs, I first had to take a deep breath; my heart was pumping like crazy.
pumpen
to borrow
Colloquial for borrowing money.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bis morgen zwanzig Euro pumpen?
Can you lend me twenty euros until tomorrow?
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'pumpen' (to pump) from the object or context. Is it about liquids (water, oil), the heart, air (tire, ball), sports (muscles), or money (colloquial)?
EXAMPLE
Mein Herz pumpte vor Aufregung.
My heart was pumping with excitement.
Sentence structure: from A to B
When a liquid or gas is moved, the verb often follows the pattern 'etwas + aus/von + Ort (dative) + in/nach + Ort (accusative) + pumpen' (something + out of/from + place + into/to + place + pump).
EXAMPLE
Eine große Anlage pumpt das Öl vom Bohrloch an die Küste.
A large facility pumps the oil from the borehole to the coast.
Register: colloquial
In the context of fitness and muscle building, 'pumpen' (to pump iron) is colloquial. It is often used without an object or in the phrase 'pumpen gehen' (to go pump iron).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Arbeit gehe ich heute noch mit einem Freund pumpen.
After work, I'm going to pump iron with a friend today.
Typical objects
When it is about filling something with air, the typical objects are things that can be inflated, for example 'Fahrradreifen' (bicycle tires), 'einen Ball' (a ball), or 'eine Luftmatratze' (an air mattress).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir helfen, die Luftmatratze für unsere Gäste zu pumpen?
Can you help me pump up the air mattress for our guests?
Fixed connection
In this meaning, the subject is almost always 'das Herz' (the heart). The action is often described more precisely with adverbs such as 'schnell' (quickly), 'heftig' (violently), or 'wild' (wildly).
EXAMPLE
Als ich den lauten Knall hörte, fing mein Herz an, wild zu pumpen.
When I heard the loud bang, my heart started pumping wildly.
Register: colloquial
The use of 'pumpen' for 'Geld leihen' (to borrow money) is very colloquial and should only be used among friends or in informal situations.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin pleite, ich muss mir wohl etwas Geld von meinem Bruder pumpen.
I'm broke; I'll probably have to borrow some money from my brother.
Compare with
pumpen vs schlagen
to hit / beat
Both words can describe a heart working quickly. „Schlagen“ is the neutral term for a heartbeat, while „pumpen“ is colloquial and emphasizes the heart’s powerful work, often caused by exertion. Use „schlagen“ for a factual statement and „pumpen“ when the physical strain should be especially clear.
pumpen
Nach dem Lauf pumpte ihr Herz so stark, dass sie eine Pause brauchte.
After the run, her heart was pumping so hard that she needed a break.
schlagen
Nach dem Lauf schlug ihr Herz noch einige Minuten schnell.
Her heart continued to beat fast for several minutes after the run.
In real life
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