schlürfen
to slurp
To drink a liquid, for example soup or a hot drink, with an audible sucking sound.
EXAMPLE
In Japan gilt es als höflich, die Nudelsuppe laut zu schlürfen.
In Japan, it is considered polite to slurp noodle soup loudly.
schlürfen
to slurp / shuffle
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Meanings
schlürfen
to shuffle
To move with dragging steps, without properly lifting one's feet, causing a scraping sound.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Mann schlürfte in seinen Pantoffeln durch den Korridor.
The old man shuffled through the corridor in his slippers.
Usage tips
Onomatopoeia
'Schlürfen' (to slurp / shuffle) is an onomatopoeic word. The sound of the word itself recalls the noise it describes—both sucking while drinking and dragging one's feet while walking.
EXAMPLE
Man konnte hören, wie er seine Suppe schlürfte.
You could hear him slurping his soup.
Context clue
You can easily distinguish the two meanings from context. If the object is a liquid or food, it is about drinking. If it is about movement and feet, walking is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er schlürfte den heißen Tee vorsichtig aus der Tasse.
He carefully slurped the hot tea from the cup.
Cultural context
In many Western cultures, including Germany, loud slurping of food or drinks at the table is often considered impolite. It is associated with bad manners.
EXAMPLE
„Hör auf zu schlürfen!“, sagte die Mutter zu ihrem Kind.
'Stop slurping!', the mother said to her child.
Typical combinations
In the meaning of 'schleifend gehen' (to walk with dragging steps), 'schlürfen' (to shuffle) is often combined with a location or a description of the manner, for example 'durch den Schnee schlürfen' (to shuffle through the snow) or 'mit den Pantoffeln schlürfen' (to shuffle in slippers).
EXAMPLE
Er war zu faul, die Füße zu heben und schlürfte einfach durch das Laub.
He was too lazy to lift his feet and simply shuffled through the leaves.
In real life
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