01
rütteln
to shake
To move or push something or someone back and forth forcefully and repeatedly.
example
Er musste kräftig an der alten Tür rütteln, um sie zu öffnen.
He had to shake the old door hard to open it.
rütteln
to shake
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed preposition
The verb 'rütteln' (to shake) is almost always used with the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. This applies to both the literal and the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind rüttelte heftig an den Fensterläden.
The wind shook the shutters violently.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning when something abstract is being 'gerüttelt' (shaken). If the object is a person or a physical object, the literal meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Der Forscher will an einem alten Dogma rütteln.
The researcher wants to shake an old dogma.
Typical expressions
In the figurative meaning, there are fixed expressions. Common examples are 'an den Grundfesten rütteln' (to shake the foundations), 'am Thron von jemandem rütteln' (to challenge someone's throne), or 'an einem Tabu rütteln' (to challenge a taboo).
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition versucht, am Thron der Kanzlerin zu rütteln.
The opposition is trying to challenge the chancellor's throne.
Compare with
rütteln vs stoßen
to push / bump / come across
'stoßen' and 'rütteln' both describe a forceful movement against someone or something. The difference is mainly in the type of movement. 'stoßen' is usually a short, single movement in which something is pushed or hit. 'rütteln' means moving something back and forth forcefully several times. If someone pushes against a door, they can 'stoßen' it. If they move it again and again, they 'rütteln' at it.
rütteln
Das Kind rüttelt an der verschlossenen Tür, weil es hineinmöchte.
The child shakes the locked door because they want to get in.
stoßen
Im Bus stößt ein Mann aus Versehen gegen meine Tasche.
On the bus, a man accidentally bumps into my bag.
In real life
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