01
rumheulen
to whine
Colloquial for complaining or crying in a self-pitying way that is often perceived as annoying.
example
Hör auf rumzuheulen, nur weil du verloren hast!
Stop whining just because you lost!
rumheulen
to whine
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Rumheulen' (to whine) is a separable verb. The prefix 'rum-' comes at the end in a main clause. In infinitive clauses with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er heult wegen jeder Kleinigkeit rum.
He whines about every little thing.
Word structure
The prefix 'rum-' is a colloquial short form of 'herum-'. It gives the verb 'heulen' (to cry) a derogatory tone and describes aimless, annoying complaining.
EXAMPLE
Anstatt etwas zu ändern, heult er nur rum.
Instead of changing something, he just whines.
Register and style
This word is used exclusively in colloquial speech and has a strongly negative, often derogatory connotation. It is used to express that you find someone's complaining exaggerated or annoying.
EXAMPLE
Sei nicht so ein Baby und heul nicht gleich rum!
Don't be such a baby and start whining right away!
Typical use
'Rumheulen' (to whine) is very often used in commands telling someone to stop complaining. Typical phrases are 'Hör auf rumzuheulen!' (Stop whining!) or 'Heul nicht rum!' (Don't whine!).
EXAMPLE
Heul doch nicht rum, das wird schon wieder.
Don't whine, it'll be all right.
Compare with
rumheulen vs weinen
to cry
'weinen' and 'rumheulen' can both mean that someone shows tears or complains. 'weinen' is neutral and fits genuine grief, pain, or even joy. 'rumheulen' is colloquial and sounds dismissive. It is used when, in the speaker's opinion, someone is whining too much or complaining in an annoying way. Learners should be careful: 'weinen' is normal and respectful, while 'rumheulen' can sound unfriendly.
rumheulen
Hör bitte auf rumzuheulen und sag mir ruhig, was passiert ist.
Please stop whining and calmly tell me what happened.
weinen
Nach der schlechten Nachricht musste sie leise weinen.
After the bad news, she had to cry quietly.
In real life
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