der Rutsch
slide
A short, gliding movement on a smooth or sloping surface.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen war der Rutsch die nasse Wiese hinunter besonders schnell.
After the rain, the slide down the wet meadow was especially fast.
der Rutsch
slide / slip
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Meanings
einen guten Rutsch
Happy New Year
A fixed expression used to wish someone a good transition into the new year. It is only used on New Year's Eve.
EXAMPLE
Wir sehen uns nächstes Jahr wieder – einen guten Rutsch!
We'll see each other again next year — Happy New Year!
der Rutsch
landslide
The sudden sliding down of masses of earth or rock on a slope; a landslide.
EXAMPLE
Ein gewaltiger Rutsch hat die Bergstraße blockiert.
A massive landslide blocked the mountain road.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Rutsch' (slide/slip) is derived directly from the verb 'rutschen' (to slide). It describes the action or the result of sliding.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder hatten Spaß bei jedem Rutsch auf der Eisfläche.
The children had fun with every slide on the ice.
Fixed expression
The expression 'einen guten Rutsch' is used exclusively on New Year's Eve to wish someone a good transition into the new year. People often respond with 'Danke, ebenfalls!' (Thanks, same to you!).
EXAMPLE
Ich wünsche dir und deiner Familie einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!
I wish you and your family a Happy New Year!
Use with prepositions
In the literal meaning, 'der Rutsch' (slide) is often used with prepositions that indicate a direction or a place. Typical phrases are 'ein Rutsch auf' (a slide on), 'ein Rutsch in' (a slide into), or 'ein Rutsch über' (a slide across/over).
EXAMPLE
Mit einem lauten Platscher endete sein Rutsch im Wasser.
With a loud splash, his slide ended in the water.
Context clue
When 'Rutsch' is used in connection with mountains, slopes, or blocked roads, it usually means a landslide. In this context, it is a shorter form of 'Erdrutsch' (landslide) or 'Bergrutsch' (mountain landslide).
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines Rutschs war die Passstraße für mehrere Stunden gesperrt.
Because of a landslide, the pass road was closed for several hours.
Compare with
Rutsch vs gleiten
to glide
A Rutsch refers to a single, short movement on a smooth or sloping surface. Gleiten, by contrast, describes the smooth, continuous movement itself. Rutsch is therefore suitable for a brief event, while gleiten is used for a movement that is observed over a longer period.
Rutsch
Mit einem kurzen Rutsch kam der Schlitten unten an.
The sled reached the bottom with one short slide.
gleiten
Der Schlitten glitt gleichmäßig den langen Hang hinunter.
The sled glided steadily down the long slope.
In real life
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