rumpeln
to rumble
To produce a series of dull, irregular noises, especially as a result of impacts or vibrations.
EXAMPLE
In der alten Waschmaschine rumpelt es beim Schleudern.
The old washing machine rumbles during the spin cycle.
rumpeln
to rumble
rumpeln – rumpelte – hat gerumpelt
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Meanings
rumpeln
to rumble
To move with dull, irregular noises, often accompanied by strong vibrations.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Lastwagen rumpelte über das Kopfsteinpflaster.
The old truck rumbled over the cobblestones.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry rumpeln, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Present
| ich | rumple rumpele |
|---|---|
| du | rumpelst |
| er/sie/es | rumpelt |
| wir | rumpeln |
| ihr | rumpelt |
| sie | rumpeln |
Simple past
| ich | rumpelte |
|---|---|
| du | rumpeltest |
| er/sie/es | rumpelte |
| wir | rumpelten |
| ihr | rumpeltet |
| sie | rumpelten |
Perfect
with haben or sein
| ich | habe gerumpelt bin gerumpelt |
|---|---|
| du | hast gerumpelt bist gerumpelt |
| er/sie/es | hat gerumpelt ist gerumpelt |
| wir | haben gerumpelt sind gerumpelt |
| ihr | habt gerumpelt seid gerumpelt |
| sie | haben gerumpelt sind gerumpelt |
Commands
| du | rumpel! rumpele!, rumple! |
|---|---|
| ihr | rumpelt! |
| Sie | rumpeln Sie! |
Past perfect
| ich | hatte gerumpelt war gerumpelt |
|---|---|
| du | hattest gerumpelt warst gerumpelt |
| er/sie/es | hatte gerumpelt war gerumpelt |
| wir | hatten gerumpelt waren gerumpelt |
| ihr | hattet gerumpelt wart gerumpelt |
| sie | hatten gerumpelt waren gerumpelt |
Future
| ich | werde rumpeln |
|---|---|
| du | wirst rumpeln |
| er/sie/es | wird rumpeln |
| wir | werden rumpeln |
| ihr | werdet rumpeln |
| sie | werden rumpeln |
Subjunctive I
| ich | rumpele rumple |
|---|---|
| du | rumpelst rumplest |
| er/sie/es | rumpele rumple |
| wir | rumpeln |
| ihr | rumpelt rumplet |
| sie | rumpeln |
Used for reported speech.
Subjunctive II
| ich | rumpelte |
|---|---|
| du | rumpeltest |
| er/sie/es | rumpelte |
| wir | rumpelten |
| ihr | rumpeltet |
| sie | rumpelten |
Used for wishes and “would”.
Other forms
| infinitive | rumpeln |
|---|---|
| with zu | zu rumpeln |
| present participle | rumpelnd |
| past participle | gerumpelt |
Usage tips
Onomatopoeic verb
'Rumpeln' (to rumble) is an onomatopoeic verb: The sound of the word is reminiscent of a dull, irregular noise. That is why it is particularly well suited to situations involving impacts, vibrations, or bumpy movement.
EXAMPLE
Hinter der Wand rumpelt es seit heute Morgen.
There has been a rumbling behind the wall since this morning.
Bei jedem Schlagloch rumpelten die Kisten auf der Ladefläche.
The crates rumbled around in the truck bed every time it hit a pothole.
Without a direct object
'Rumpeln' (to rumble) is usually used without an accusative object. Either the source of the noise is the subject, or 'es' (it) is used as the subject when the source of the noise is unspecified.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Heizung rumpelt in der Nacht.
The old heating system rumbles at night.
Im Keller rumpelt es plötzlich.
Suddenly, there is a rumbling in the basement.
Source of the noise
When referring to a noise, appliances, vehicles, or parts of the body often appear as the subject. Signal words such as 'beim Schleudern' (during the spin cycle), 'im Motor' (in the engine), or 'im Bauch' (in the stomach) indicate this usage.
EXAMPLE
Die lockere Abdeckung rumpelt während der Fahrt.
The loose cover rumbles while the vehicle is moving.
Nach dem Essen rumpelte sein Bauch.
His stomach rumbled after the meal.
Bumpy movement
When describing movement, the route or surface is often introduced with 'über' (over) or 'durch' (through). Typical examples include bumpy surfaces such as cobblestones, dirt roads, or potholes.
EXAMPLE
Der Traktor rumpelte über den unebenen Feldweg.
The tractor rumbled over the uneven dirt road.
Der alte Bus rumpelte durch mehrere Schlaglöcher.
The old bus rumbled through several potholes.
In real life
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