01
rumlaufen
to run around
To move around on foot without a specific goal or intention; colloquial for herumlaufen (to walk around).
example
Die Kinder laufen den ganzen Nachmittag im Park rum.
The children run around in the park all afternoon.
rumlaufen
to run around
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Rumlaufen' (to run around) is a separable verb. The prefix 'rum-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er läuft den ganzen Tag im Park rum.
He runs around in the park all day.
Register: colloquial
'Rumlaufen' (to run around) is the colloquial, shortened form of 'herumlaufen' (to walk around). In more formal or written texts, the full form is usually used.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze läuft schon den ganzen Morgen im Garten rum.
The cat has been running around in the garden all morning.
Use with clothing
When talking about clothing, 'rumlaufen' (to go around) is often used with a preposition such as 'in' or 'mit' to describe the item of clothing. The statement often has a slightly critical or surprised undertone.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst doch nicht in Socken auf der kalten Terrasse rumlaufen!
You can't go around on the cold terrace in socks!
Impersonal use
In the meaning 'sich verbreiten' (to spread), the subject is often a rumor or a piece of news. The impersonal construction 'es läuft ... rum, dass ...' is also frequently used.
EXAMPLE
Es läuft das Gerücht rum, dass die Firma bald schließt.
There's a rumor going around that the company will close soon.
Compare with
rumlaufen vs umgehen
to handle / avoid / circulate
'umgehen' and 'rumlaufen' can both say that a rumor or piece of information is spreading. 'umgehen' sounds more neutral and fits well with rumors, illnesses, or reports that are in circulation. 'rumlaufen' is colloquial and sounds more casual; it is used more in conversations about news or rumors that are being told everywhere. They can be confused because both have a similar idea. In more formal situations, 'umgehen' is more natural; in everyday speech, 'rumlaufen' can fit.
rumlaufen
Seit gestern läuft bei den Nachbarn die Nachricht rum, dass ein neues Geschäft öffnet.
Since yesterday, the news has been going around among the neighbors that a new shop is opening.
umgehen
In der Firma geht das Gerücht um, dass die Abteilung umzieht.
There is a rumor going around at the company that the department is moving.
In real life
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