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
rütteln an
to shake
In a figurative sense: to question or try to undermine an established order, belief, or authority.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Erkenntnisse rütteln an den Grundfesten der bisherigen Theorie.
The new findings shake the foundations of the existing theory.
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 erschüttern
to shake
Erschüttern and rütteln an can both call a conviction, established order, or authority into question. Erschüttern directly describes strong uncertainty or a loss of stability, while rütteln an emphasizes more the attempt or act of questioning something. Use erschüttern for a shock and rütteln an for a critical attack.
rütteln
Die neuen Beweise rütteln am Vertrauen der Bürger in die Regierung.
The new evidence is undermining citizens’ trust in the government.
erschüttern
Der Korruptionsskandal erschütterte das Vertrauen der Bürger in die Regierung.
The corruption scandal shook citizens’ trust in the government.
In real life
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