01
schweben
to float / hover
To move or remain in the air or in water, seemingly weightless and without visible effort or support.
example
Ein Heißluftballon schwebte langsam über die Stadt.
A hot-air balloon floated slowly over the city.
schweben
to float / hover
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'haben'
Although 'schweben' (to float / hover) describes a kind of movement, the perfect tense is always formed with 'haben' (to have), not with 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Die Raumstation hat jahrelang im All geschwebt.
The space station floated in space for years.
Context clue
The meaning of 'schweben' (to float / hover) depends on the subject. Physical things like a cloud or a feather literally float. Abstract things like a danger or a question hang in a figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Eine einzelne Feder schwebte langsam zu Boden.
A single feather floated slowly to the ground.
Sentence structure with 'über'
In the abstract meaning of 'being uncertain', 'schweben' (to hang over) is often used with the preposition 'über' + dative to express what or who is affected.
EXAMPLE
Über dem Projekt schwebt die ständige Sorge der Finanzierung.
The constant concern about funding hangs over the project.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'auf Wolke sieben schweben' (to be on cloud nine) is a fixed expression for great happiness or being in love.
EXAMPLE
Seit sie die Zusage für den Job hat, schwebt sie auf Wolke sieben.
Ever since she got the job offer, she has been on cloud nine.
Compare with
schweben vs fallen
to fall
'fallen' and 'schweben' both have to do with a position in the air or in water. The difference is the movement and the effect of gravity. With 'fallen', something moves downward, often quickly and uncontrollably. With 'schweben', something stays lightly in the air or in water, or moves there calmly. 'fallen' suggests weight and downward movement, while 'schweben' suggests lightness and calm.
schweben
Der Ballon schwebt über dem Garten.
The balloon floats above the garden.
fallen
Ein Blatt fällt vom Baum auf den nassen Weg.
A leaf falls from the tree onto the wet path.
In real life
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