01
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
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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
'schlagen' and 'pumpen' can both describe how the heart works. 'Das Herz schlägt' (the heart beats) is the normal, neutral way to talk about the heart rhythm. 'Das Herz pumpt' or 'mein Herz pumpt' sounds stronger and often describes a forceful, fast heartbeat, for example after exercise or when you are excited. The words can be confused because both fit with the heart. As a simple guide: use 'schlagen' for a normal heartbeat; with strong physical effort or stress, 'pumpen' can sound more natural.
pumpen
Nach dem Sprint pumpt sein Herz so stark, dass er kurz stehen bleibt.
After the sprint, his heart is pumping so hard that he stops for a moment.
schlagen
Nach der schlechten Nachricht schlägt mein Herz schneller.
After the bad news, my heart is beating faster.
In real life
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