01
rutschen
to slip / slide
To move unintentionally and uncontrollably on a smooth surface; to glide.
example
Vorsicht, der Boden ist nass, man kann leicht rutschen!
Careful, the floor is wet; you can easily slip!
rutschen
to slip / slide
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Perfect with 'sein'
As a verb of movement or change of state, 'rutschen' (to slip/slide) generally forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Er ist auf der nassen Treppe gerutscht.
He slipped on the wet stairs.
Literal and figurative
'Rutschen' (to slip/slide) has a literal meaning (to glide on a surface) and a figurative meaning (to get into a state). The figurative meaning is almost always used for negative states.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind ist die nasse Wiese hinuntergerutscht.
The child slid down the wet meadow.
Typical request
To ask someone to make room on a bench or sofa, the colloquial request 'Rutsch mal ein Stück!' (Scoot over a bit!) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Rutsch mal ein bisschen, dann passen wir alle auf das Sofa.
Scoot over a little, then we'll all fit on the sofa.
For clothing and objects
This meaning is often used for things that do not stay in place. Typical subjects are 'die Brille' (glasses), 'die Hose' (pants), or 'die Socken' (socks).
EXAMPLE
Die Träger meines Rucksacks rutschen immer von den Schultern.
The straps of my backpack always slip off my shoulders.
Getting into a state
To express that someone gets into a negative situation, 'rutschen' (to slip) is used with the preposition 'in' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ohne feste Arbeit ist er schnell in finanzielle Probleme gerutscht.
Without steady work, he quickly slipped into financial problems.
Fixed expression
The expression 'einen guten Rutsch' is a fixed greeting used only shortly before New Year's Eve. It wishes someone a good transition into the new year.
EXAMPLE
Wir wünschen euch allen einen guten Rutsch!
We wish you all a Happy New Year!
Compare with
rutschen vs geraten
to get into / turn out
'geraten' and 'rutschen' can both mean that someone gets into a bad or difficult situation. 'geraten' is more general and more neutral: you can get into difficulties, danger, or an unpleasant situation, often unintentionally. 'rutschen' puts more emphasis on a negative development, meaning that things get worse step by step. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases, the person is not actively planning something. 'in eine Situation geraten' (to get into a situation) is more natural, but 'in Schulden rutschen' (to slip into debt) or 'in eine Krise rutschen' (to slip into a crisis) describes a downward movement especially well.
rutschen
Nach dem Verlust seiner Arbeit rutscht er in große Geldprobleme.
After losing his job, he slips into serious financial trouble.
geraten
Mein Bruder gerät vor dem Termin plötzlich unter Druck.
My brother suddenly comes under pressure before the appointment.
In real life
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