to fall down
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to fall down
To fall downward from an elevated position, usually unintentionally. It is a colloquial variant of 'herunterfallen' (to fall down/off).
Pass auf, dass dir das Glas nicht vom Tisch runterfällt!
Be careful that the glass doesn't fall off the table!
'Runterfallen' (to fall down) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'runter' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Vorsicht, das Buch fällt gleich runter!
Careful, the book is about to fall down!
The prefix 'runter-' is a colloquial short form of 'herunter-'. That is why the whole verb 'runterfallen' (to fall down) is used mainly in spoken, informal language.
Mist, mein Schlüssel ist schon wieder runtergefallen!
Darn, my key has fallen down again!
Since 'runterfallen' (to fall down) describes a movement or change of location, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
Das Bild ist von der Wand runtergefallen.
The picture fell down from the wall.
To express to whom something accidentally falls down, German often uses a construction with the dative: 'Mir ist das Glas runtergefallen.' (I dropped the glass.)
Dem Kind ist der Löffel unter den Tisch runtergefallen.
The child dropped the spoon under the table.
to fall
'fallen' and 'runterfallen' both describe a downward movement. 'fallen' is more neutral and more general; it can be used for people, things, and also in many other meanings. 'runterfallen' means more specifically that something falls down from a higher place, usually by accident. It is colloquial and often corresponds to 'herunterfallen'. Learners may confuse the words because they seem similar in everyday situations. If you want to emphasize that something falls down from a table, shelf, or out of your hand, 'runterfallen' sounds very natural.
Das Handy fällt mir beim Aussteigen aus der Tasche runter.
My phone falls out of my pocket as I get out.
Auf dem glatten Weg fällt der Arzt beinahe hin.
On the slippery path, the doctor almost falls down.