01
strömen
to stream
To move continuously in large amounts in one direction, like a liquid or gas.
example
Das Wasser strömte aus dem gebrochenen Damm.
The water streamed out of the broken dam.
strömen
to stream / pour
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'strömen' (to stream/pour) is the root of the noun 'der Strom' (current/stream). All meanings of 'strömen' describe a movement that is reminiscent of a flowing stream, whether water, a crowd of people, or rain.
EXAMPLE
Ein starker Strom zog das Boot mit sich.
A strong current carried the boat along.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'strömen' describes movement from one place to another, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein'. This applies to all meanings of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Tausende Fans sind nach dem Konzert aus dem Stadion geströmt.
Thousands of fans streamed out of the stadium after the concert.
Sentence structure with prepositions
The direction of movement is often indicated with prepositions. Common combinations are 'strömen aus (+ dative)' (to stream out of), 'strömen in (+ accusative)' (to stream into), and 'strömen zu (+ dative)' (to stream toward/to).
EXAMPLE
Die Pendler strömen morgens in die Stadt.
The commuters stream into the city in the morning.
Impersonal form
When 'strömen' means heavy rain, it is almost always used impersonally with 'es' as the subject. The expression is then 'es strömt' (it's pouring).
EXAMPLE
Nimm einen Schirm mit, es strömt draußen!
Take an umbrella with you, it's pouring outside!
Compare with
strömen vs ziehen
to pull / move
'ziehen' and 'strömen' can both describe the movement of many things or people in one direction. 'ziehen' works well for groups that are moving together, especially animals such as birds. 'strömen' emphasizes the large amount and the continuous movement, almost like water. For example, you can say that people 'strömen' out of a stadium. The words can be confused because both show movement in one direction. However, 'strömen' sounds stronger and is more suited to large masses or liquids.
strömen
Nach dem Konzert strömen die Besucher zur U-Bahn.
After the concert, the visitors stream toward the subway.
ziehen
Die Vögel ziehen im Frühling wieder nach Norden.
The birds migrate north again in spring.
In real life
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