01
radeln
to cycle
To move around by bicycle. It is a common synonym for 'Fahrrad fahren' (to ride a bicycle).
example
Am Wochenende radeln wir oft am Fluss entlang.
On weekends, we often cycle along the river.
radeln
to cycle
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'radeln' (to cycle) is derived from 'das Rad' (the wheel / bike), a short form for 'das Fahrrad' (bicycle). The ending '-eln' often suggests a repeated or casual activity.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns eine Runde durch den Wald radeln.
Let's cycle through the forest for a bit.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'radeln' (to cycle) describes movement from one place to another, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). So you say 'ich bin geradelt' (I cycled / I have cycled).
EXAMPLE
Gestern sind wir bis zur nächsten Stadt geradelt.
Yesterday we cycled as far as the next town.
Typical prepositions
'Radeln' (to cycle) is often combined with prepositions that describe a route or destination. Typical phrases are 'durch den Park radeln' (to cycle through the park), 'am See entlang radeln' (to cycle along the lake), or 'zur Uni radeln' (to cycle to university).
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub sind wir jeden Tag am Meer entlang geradelt.
On vacation, we cycled along the sea every day.
Compare with
radeln vs fahren
to drive / ride
'fahren' and 'radeln' can both mean that you move around by bicycle. But 'fahren' is much more general: you can 'fahren' by car, bus, train, or bicycle. 'radeln' only means to ride a bicycle and often sounds a bit more casual and colloquial. Learners may confuse the words because you can use both when talking about a bicycle. If the vehicle is not clear, 'fahren' is safer. If you explicitly mean a bicycle, 'radeln' fits very well.
radeln
Am Wochenende radeln wir an den See.
At the weekend, we cycle to the lake.
fahren
Wegen des Regens fahre ich heute mit dem Bus zur Arbeit.
Because of the rain, I'm taking the bus to work today.
In real life
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