schaukeln
to swing
To move back and forth on a swing.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder schaukeln begeistert auf dem Spielplatz.
The children are happily swinging on the playground.
schaukeln
to swing / rock
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Meanings
schaukeln
to rock
To move oneself or something gently and rhythmically back and forth, like a boat on the water.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Fischerboot schaukelte auf den Wellen.
The small fishing boat rocked on the waves.
das Kind schon schaukeln
to manage it
A colloquial idiom meaning that one will manage a difficult situation or successfully complete a task.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen wegen der Präsentation, wir werden das Kind schon schaukeln.
Don't worry about the presentation; we'll manage it.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schaukeln' (to swing/rock) is directly connected to the noun 'die Schaukel' (the swing). A 'Schaukel' is the piece of equipment you swing on. If you know one of the words, you can easily work out the other.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Schaukel im Garten ist toll, die Kinder wollen nur noch schaukeln.
The new swing in the garden is great; the children only want to swing now.
Context clue
You can tell from the subject whether it refers to people on playground equipment or to a gentle movement. If people, especially children, are the subject, it is usually about a swing. If a boat or ship is the subject, it refers to a rocking motion.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind schaukelt so hoch es kann.
The child is swinging as high as they can.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'wiegen' (to rock) or 'schwanken' (to sway), 'schaukeln' (to rock/sway) is often combined with things that are moved by external forces such as water or wind. Typical phrases are 'auf den Wellen schaukeln' (to rock on the waves) or 'im Wind schaukeln' (to sway in the wind).
EXAMPLE
Die Äste des Baumes schaukelten sanft im Wind.
The branches of the tree swayed gently in the wind.
Fixed idiom
The colloquial expression 'das Kind schon schaukeln' has nothing to do with children or swings. It means 'das schaffen wir schon' (we'll manage it) or 'das wird schon klappen' (it'll work out) and expresses confidence.
EXAMPLE
Die Prüfung wird schwer, aber keine Sorge, wir werden das Kind schon schaukeln.
The exam will be difficult, but don't worry, we'll manage it.
Compare with
schaukeln vs wiegen
to weigh
Wiegen and schaukeln can both refer to a gentle, rhythmic back-and-forth movement. When used for a baby, wiegen usually emphasizes a calm, soothing motion. Schaukeln more often describes a movement like being on a swing, but it can also be gentle.
schaukeln
Der Vater schaukelt das wache Baby vorsichtig auf seinen Knien.
The father carefully rocks the awake baby on his knees.
wiegen
Der Vater wiegt das müde Baby sanft in seinen Armen.
The father gently rocks the tired baby in his arms.
In real life
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