rocken
to rock
To play or perform rock music.
EXAMPLE
Die Band rockte auf der Bühne und begeisterte das Publikum.
The band rocked on stage and thrilled the audience.
rocken
to rock
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Meanings
rocken
to rock
(Colloquial) To do something excellently, master a situation, or simply be great.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, die Prüfung morgen werden wir schon rocken!
Don't worry, we'll totally rock the exam tomorrow!
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'rocken' (to rock) from the object. If it refers to a stage, a concert, or a band, it is about music. If it refers to a task or challenge, the colloquial meaning 'to do something really well' is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Band hat gestern Abend die ganze Stadt gerockt.
The band rocked the whole city last night.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'to master something' or 'to be great' is colloquial. Use it in informal situations with friends, but avoid it in formal emails or official conversations.
EXAMPLE
Macht euch keine Sorgen, das Spiel rocken wir!
Don't worry, we'll rock this game!
Typical collocations
In the colloquial meaning, 'rocken' (to rock) is often combined with challenges. Typical expressions are 'die Prüfung rocken' (to rock the exam), 'das Projekt rocken' (to rock the project), or simply 'das Ding rocken' (to rock this thing).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin gut vorbereitet und werde das Vorstellungsgespräch morgen rocken.
I'm well prepared and I'm going to rock the job interview tomorrow.
Typical collocations
When it is about music, the object of 'rocken' (to rock) is often the place where the performance happens. Typical phrases are 'die Bühne rocken' (to rock the stage) or 'das Festival rocken' (to rock the festival).
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende hat eine lokale Band auf dem Stadtfest die Bühne gerockt.
At the weekend, a local band rocked the stage at the town festival.
Compare with
rocken vs spielen
to play
Spielen and rocken can both describe performing music. Spielen is neutral and mainly says that a band is making music; rocken highlights rock music or a particularly energetic effect. Spielen fits a factual announcement, while rocken works when the rock atmosphere is being emphasized.
rocken
Die Band rockt heute Abend das Jugendzentrum mit ihrer Musik.
The band is rocking the youth center with their music tonight.
spielen
Die Band spielt heute Abend im Jugendzentrum Rockmusik.
The band is playing rock music at the youth center tonight.
In real life
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