01
robben
to crawl
To move forward while lying on one's stomach by pulling the body across the ground, similar to a seal.
example
Die Soldaten mussten unter dem Stacheldraht hindurch robben.
The soldiers had to crawl under the barbed wire.
robben
to crawl
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'robben' (to crawl) is derived directly from the noun 'die Robbe' (the seal, the animal). It describes the typical movement of a seal on land, where it pulls its body across the ground.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben am Strand die Robben beobachtet.
We watched the seals on the beach.
Auxiliary verb in the perfect tense
The perfect tense of 'robben' (to crawl) can be formed with 'haben' (to have) or 'sein' (to be). Use 'sein' when a directed movement from A to B is described. Use 'haben' when the duration or the action itself is emphasized, without a clear destination.
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat ist über das ganze Feld gerobbt.
The soldier crawled across the entire field.
Typical use
This verb is often used in specific contexts. Typical examples are descriptions of soldiers in training, babies learning to crawl, or people who have to move under an obstacle.
EXAMPLE
Das Baby kann schon auf dem Bauch durch das ganze Zimmer robben.
The baby can already crawl on its stomach across the whole room.
Compare with
robben vs rutschen
to slip / slide
'robben' and 'rutschen' can both describe movement close to the ground, but they are not the same. 'robben' means that you are lying on your stomach and pulling yourself forward with your body. This is a deliberate movement, for example under an obstacle. 'rutschen' means that you slide on a smooth surface or go down a slide. This can be intentional, but it can also happen unintentionally. The words can be confused because in both cases the body moves across a surface. The important point is: when you 'robben', you actively move on your stomach; when you 'rutschen', you slide.
robben
Das Kind robbt unter dem Tisch hindurch, um den Ball zu holen.
The child crawls under the table to get the ball.
rutschen
Auf dem nassen Boden ist der Fahrer plötzlich gerutscht.
On the wet ground, the driver suddenly slipped.
In real life
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