01
schlüpfen
to slip
To move quickly, quietly, and nimbly through a narrow opening or past something.
example
Die Maus schlüpfte schnell in ein Loch in der Wand.
The mouse quickly slipped into a hole in the wall.
schlüpfen
to slip / hatch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Because 'schlüpfen' (to slip / hatch) describes a movement or a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Die Katze ist schnell unter das Bett geschlüpft.
The cat quickly slipped under the bed.
Important prepositions
The verb 'schlüpfen' (to slip / hatch) is almost always accompanied by a preposition that indicates direction. Typical prepositions are 'in' (accusative), 'aus' (dative), or 'durch' (accusative).
EXAMPLE
Er schlüpfte aus seinen nassen Schuhen.
He slipped out of his wet shoes.
Fixed combination
When talking about animals being born from eggs, the fixed combination 'aus dem Ei schlüpfen' (to hatch from the egg) is used. This is the standard expression for this process.
EXAMPLE
Nach 21 Tagen sind die Küken aus den Eiern geschlüpft.
After 21 days, the chicks hatched from the eggs.
Fixed expression
The expression 'in eine Rolle schlüpfen' (to slip into a role) is very common. It is used not only for actors, but for any person who takes on a specific function or identity.
EXAMPLE
Als ältestes Kind musste sie oft in die Rolle der Verantwortlichen schlüpfen.
As the oldest child, she often had to slip into the role of the responsible one.
Compare with
schlüpfen vs spielen
to play
'spielen' and 'in eine Rolle schlüpfen' can both describe someone portraying another person. 'spielen' is the direct and normal word for acting: you play a role in a film or play. 'in eine Rolle schlüpfen' (to slip into a role) sounds more figurative. It emphasizes that someone takes on the identity or function of a character, almost like a piece of clothing. This can be especially fitting when talking about transforming into a character. The expressions are easy to confuse because both occur in acting. As a simple guide: you 'spielt die Rolle' (play the role); you 'schlüpft in die Rolle' (slip into the role).
schlüpfen
Für das Kinderfest schlüpft Maria in die Rolle einer Königin.
For the children's festival, Maria slips into the role of a queen.
spielen
Der Schauspieler spielt in der Serie einen Polizisten.
The actor plays a police officer in the series.
In real life
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