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
rumlaufen
to go around
To be dressed in a certain, often inappropriate or conspicuous way.
EXAMPLE
Warum läufst du bei der Kälte nur im T-Shirt rum?
Why are you going around in just a T-shirt in this cold?
rumlaufen
to go around
Colloquial for rumors or information circulating or being widespread.
EXAMPLE
Es läuft das Gerücht rum, dass die Lehrerin die Schule verlässt.
There's a rumor going around that the teacher is leaving the school.
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 kursieren
to circulate
Both words can indicate that a rumor or piece of information is passed from one person to another. „Kursieren“ is the neutral standard term, whereas „rumlaufen“ sounds colloquial and often presents the information as if it were a person. „Kursieren“ is appropriate in factual texts; „rumlaufen“ is also possible in casual conversation.
rumlaufen
Das Gerücht läuft seit gestern in der ganzen Schule herum.
The rumor has been going around the whole school since yesterday.
kursieren
Das Gerücht kursiert seit gestern in der ganzen Schule.
The rumor has been circulating throughout the whole school since yesterday.
In real life
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