der Purzelbaum
somersault
A movement in which you roll forward over your head with your body bent, usually on the ground.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind schlug auf der weichen Matte einen Purzelbaum.
The child did a somersault on the soft mat.
der Purzelbaum
somersault
der Purzelbaum, die Purzelbäume
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Meanings
Purzelbäume schlagen
to do somersaults
To get into a state of intense, agitated movement or become completely jumbled up. This figurative expression is used especially for thoughts and feelings.
EXAMPLE
Nach dieser überraschenden Nachricht schlugen ihre Gedanken Purzelbäume.
After this surprising news, her thoughts were doing somersaults.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Purzelbaum, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Purzelbäume |
| genitive | des Purzelbaumes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Purzelbaum | die Purzelbäume |
| accusative | den Purzelbaum | die Purzelbäume |
| dative | dem Purzelbaum | den Purzelbäumen |
| genitive | des Purzelbaumes des Purzelbaums | der Purzelbäume |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
'Purzelbaum' (somersault) is particularly often used with the verb 'schlagen' (to do). In this expression, 'einen Purzelbaum' (a somersault) is the accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder schlugen auf der Wiese mehrere Purzelbäume.
The children did several somersaults on the meadow.
Movement context
In its literal meaning, 'Purzelbaum' (somersault) often occurs in situations involving sports, play, or children. Typical places for this are a mat, a meadow, or the floor.
EXAMPLE
Im Sportunterricht lernen die Erstklässler, einen Purzelbaum zu schlagen.
In physical education class, the first graders learn to do a somersault.
Figurative expression
In the figurative expression, 'Gedanken' (thoughts), 'Gefühle' (feelings), or similar inner processes are often used together with 'Purzelbäume schlagen' (to do somersaults). The expression then indicates intense restlessness or excitement, rather than a physical forward roll.
EXAMPLE
Als er sie anlächelte, schlug ihr Herz Purzelbäume.
When he smiled at her, her heart did somersaults.
In real life
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