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
schweben
to hang over
To be in an undecided, uncertain, or open state. Often used for dangers, proceedings, or questions.
EXAMPLE
Über der Firma schwebt die Gefahr der Insolvenz.
The danger of insolvency hangs over the company.
schweben
to be on cloud nine
To be in a particular, usually pleasant or euphoric, emotional state.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Heiratsantrag schwebte sie auf Wolke sieben.
After the marriage proposal, she was on cloud nine.
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 treiben
to drive / drift
“Treiben” emphasizes that the wind or a current moves something passively, usually without a clear direction. “Schweben,” on the other hand, emphasizes that something remains or moves in the air or water, seemingly weightless. Both words can fit a balloon, but they focus on different aspects.
schweben
Der Ballon schwebt beinahe reglos über dem Feld.
The balloon hovers almost motionless above the field.
treiben
Der Ballon treibt ohne klares Ziel mit dem Wind nach Osten.
The balloon drifts east with the wind, without a clear destination.
In real life
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