quietschen
to squeak
To produce a high-pitched, shrill, and often unpleasant sound, usually caused by friction.
EXAMPLE
Die Bremsen des alten Fahrrads quietschen bei jeder Bremsung.
The brakes on the old bicycle squeak every time he brakes.
quietschen
to squeak / squeal
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Meanings
quietschen
to squeal
To let out a high-pitched sound of joy, excitement, or pleasure.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder quietschten vor Vergnügen, als sie die Schaukel sahen.
The children squealed with delight when they saw the swing.
Usage tips
Onomatopoeic word
'Quietschen' (to squeak/squeal) is an onomatopoeic word. This means the word itself imitates the sound it describes—a high-pitched, shrill sound.
EXAMPLE
Hörst du, wie die alte Schaukel quietscht?
Do you hear how the old swing squeaks?
Context clue
You can tell whether a noise or a feeling is meant from the subject. When things 'quietschen' (squeak), such as brakes or doors, it is about a sound caused by friction. When people or animals 'quietschen' (squeal), they usually express joy or excitement.
EXAMPLE
Die Reifen quietschten, als das Auto scharf bremste.
The tires squealed when the car braked sharply.
Typical collocations
This meaning is often connected with things that make noises through friction. Typical subjects are: the brakes, the tires, the door, the bed, or the shoes.
EXAMPLE
Die nassen Schuhe quietschen auf dem glatten Boden.
The wet shoes squeak on the smooth floor.
Expressing feelings
When 'quietschen' (to squeal) describes an emotion, the reason is often given with the preposition 'vor' + dative. Typical phrases are 'vor Freude quietschen' (to squeal with joy) or 'vor Vergnügen quietschen' (to squeal with delight).
EXAMPLE
Als sie das Geschenk sah, quietschte sie vor Freude.
When she saw the present, she squealed with joy.
Compare with
quietschen vs kreischen
to screech / scream
Kreischen and quietschen can both describe a high-pitched, unpleasant sound made by brakes or doors. Kreischen emphasizes a particularly loud, piercing, or scraping sound. Quietschen refers more specifically to the high-pitched sound produced by friction.
quietschen
Vor der Kurve quietschten die Bremsen durch die starke Reibung.
Just before the bend, the brakes squeaked because of the intense friction.
kreischen
Vor der Kurve kreischten die Bremsen laut und durchdringend.
Just before the bend, the brakes screeched loudly and piercingly.
In real life
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