01
schleudern
to hurl
To throw something with great force and speed.
example
Er schleuderte den Stein wütend gegen die Wand.
He angrily hurled the stone against the wall.
schleudern
to hurl / to skid / to spin
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schleudern' (to hurl) is related to the noun 'die Schleuder' (slingshot). The idea that something is moved powerfully and quickly with a slingshot helps you understand the basic meaning of throwing.
EXAMPLE
Die Maschine schleudert kleine Teile mit hoher Geschwindigkeit aus.
The machine ejects small parts at high speed.
Fixed expression
In connection with vehicles, the fixed expression 'ins Schleudern kommen' or 'ins Schleudern geraten' is used very frequently. This is often more natural than using the verb 'schleudern' alone.
EXAMPLE
Auf der nassen Straße geriet der Wagen plötzlich ins Schleudern.
On the wet road, the car suddenly started skidding.
Context clue
This meaning is relevant only in the context of laundry and washing machines. Signal words like 'Wäsche' (laundry), 'Waschmaschine' (washing machine), 'nass' (wet), or 'Umdrehungen' (revolutions) make it clear that removing water is meant.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst die Handtücher bei 1400 Umdrehungen schleudern.
You can spin the towels at 1400 rpm.
Register and usage
The meaning 'billig verkaufen' (to sell cheaply) is colloquial. The separable particle 'raus-' is often added here: 'etwas rausschleudern' (to sell something off).
EXAMPLE
Zum Saisonende schleudert das Geschäft die restlichen Winterjacken raus.
At the end of the season, the store is selling off the remaining winter jackets.
Compare with
schleudern vs werfen
to throw
'werfen' and 'schleudern' both mean moving something through the air with your hand or arm. 'werfen' is the normal, general word. You can 'werfen' a ball, a key, or a stone. 'schleudern' sounds stronger: it means that something is thrown with great force and often very quickly. That is why 'schleudern' fits especially when the movement seems violent, dangerous, or uncontrolled. As a simple rule: anyone can 'werfen' a ball, but someone who 'schleudert' something uses a lot of force.
schleudern
Vor Wut schleuderte er den kaputten Stift in den Papierkorb.
In anger, he hurled the broken pen into the trash can.
werfen
Du hast den Ball am Montag weit über den Zaun geworfen.
On Monday, you threw the ball far over the fence.
In real life
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