01
rudern
to row
To move a boat through the water using oars.
example
Wir sind am Wochenende auf dem See gerudert.
We rowed on the lake at the weekend.
rudern
to row
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'haben' or 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'rudern' (to row) can be formed with 'haben' (to have) or 'sein' (to be). Use 'haben' when the activity itself is the focus, without a destination. Use 'sein' when movement toward a specific destination is being described.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben gestern zwei Stunden lang gerudert.
We rowed for two hours yesterday.
Typical prepositions
In the literal meaning, 'rudern' (to row) is often used with prepositions that indicate location or direction. Typical phrases are 'auf dem See rudern' (to row on the lake), 'über den Fluss rudern' (to row across the river), or 'ans Ufer rudern' (to row to the shore).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder lieben es, auf dem Teich zu rudern.
The children love rowing on the pond.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about water or boats. Often the movement is described more precisely, for example with the phrase 'mit den Armen rudern' (to flail one's arms).
EXAMPLE
Als der Chef ihn nach dem Fehler fragte, begann er nervös mit den Armen zu rudern.
When the boss asked him about the mistake, he nervously began flailing his arms.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'to make frantic or embarrassed movements' is colloquial. It is often used to describe how someone reacts to an unpleasant question or situation.
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, seine Aussage zu erklären, aber er ruderte nur noch mehr.
He tried to explain his statement, but he only flailed even more.
Compare with
rudern vs segeln
to sail
'segeln' and 'rudern' both have to do with boats on the water. The difference lies in the type of movement. With 'segeln', the wind moves the boat with the help of the sails. With 'rudern', you move the boat with oars and your own physical strength. The words can easily be confused because both describe water sports or a boat trip. Pay attention to what powers the boat: wind means 'segeln'; arms and oars mean 'rudern'.
rudern
Tom rudert das kleine Boot langsam zum Ufer zurück.
Tom rows the small boat slowly back to the shore.
segeln
Bei starkem Wind sind wir schnell zur anderen Seite des Sees gesegelt.
With the strong wind, we quickly sailed to the other side of the lake.
In real life
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