01
rauschen
to rustle / roar
To produce a continuous, soft, and indistinct sound, like that made by wind, water, or leaves.
example
Das Meer rauschte leise am Strand.
The sea roared softly on the beach.
rauschen
to rustle / hiss / sweep
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The subject of the verb reveals the meaning. If it is nature (sea, wind, leaves), a sound is meant. With technical devices (radio), it means interference noise. If the subject is a person, it refers to quick movement.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind rauschte in den Baumkronen.
The wind rustled in the treetops.
Typical subjects
In the meaning of a natural sound, the most common subjects are 'das Meer' (the sea), 'der Wind' (the wind), 'die Blätter' (the leaves), 'ein Bach' (a stream), or 'ein Wasserfall' (a waterfall).
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen am Ufer und hörten den Bach rauschen.
We sat on the bank and listened to the stream rustling.
Sentence structure and movement
When 'rauschen' (to sweep) describes quick movement, it is almost always used with an indication of direction. Typical prepositions are 'in' (into), 'aus' (out of), 'durch' (through), or 'vorbei' (past).
EXAMPLE
Wütend rauschte sie aus dem Zimmer.
Angrily, she swept out of the room.
Participle as adjective
In connection with celebrations, the present participle 'rauschend' is often used as an adjective. 'Ein rauschendes Fest' is a very lively and magnificent celebration.
EXAMPLE
Das Brautpaar feierte eine rauschende Ballnacht.
The bride and groom celebrated a splendid ball night.
Compare with
rauschen vs klingeln
to ring
'klingeln' and 'rauschen' both describe sounds, but they sound very different. 'klingeln' is usually a bright, clear tone, for example from a bell, an alarm clock, or a telephone. 'rauschen' is more of an even, indistinct sound, for example from wind, water, or a bad radio. The words can be confused when talking about sounds in general. More precisely: a short, clear signal tone 'klingelt'; a long, indistinct sound 'rauscht'.
rauschen
Im alten Radio rauscht es so stark, dass man die Musik kaum hört.
The old radio hisses so badly that you can hardly hear the music.
klingeln
Während der Besprechung klingelt plötzlich ein Handy.
During the meeting, a cell phone suddenly rings.
In real life
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