01
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
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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.
Compare with
schlürfen vs trinken
to drink
'trinken' and 'schlürfen' both describe taking in a liquid. 'trinken' is neutral and works for almost all drinks. 'schlürfen' is more specific: you hear a sucking sound, often with soup, tea, or coffee. It can sound cozy, but also impolite if the noise is bothersome. If the only important point is that someone is having a drink, you say 'trinken'. If the sound or the way of drinking is important, 'schlürfen' fits better.
schlürfen
In der Küche schlürft sie vorsichtig die heiße Suppe.
In the kitchen, she carefully slurps the hot soup.
trinken
Am Abend trinkt der Arzt eine Tasse Tee.
In the evening, the doctor drinks a cup of tea.
In real life
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