to do gymnastics
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to do gymnastics
To perform physical exercises that require strength, flexibility, and coordination, often as a sport (apparatus gymnastics) or in physical education class.
Jeden Mittwochnachmittag gehen die Kinder zum Turnen in die Sporthalle.
Every Wednesday afternoon, the children go to the gymnasium to do gymnastics.
to climb around
Informal for climbing, jumping, and moving skillfully and playfully, especially used of children or animals.
Die Kinder turnten den ganzen Nachmittag auf dem Klettergerüst herum.
The children climbed around on the climbing frame all afternoon.
The perfect tense of 'turnen' (to do gymnastics) is always formed with 'haben' (to have), even when it describes movement. The reason is that it is not directed movement from one place to another.
Gestern habe ich zum ersten Mal seit Jahren wieder geturnt.
Yesterday I did gymnastics again for the first time in years.
'Turnen' (to do gymnastics) is an intransitive verb that does not take an accusative object. The place of the action is usually given with a preposition, for example 'am Barren turnen' (to do gymnastics on the parallel bars), 'auf dem Boden turnen' (to do floor exercises), or 'in der Halle turnen' (to do gymnastics in the hall).
Die Athletin turnt am Schwebebalken.
The athlete is doing gymnastics on the balance beam.
The verb 'turnen' (to do gymnastics) is often used as the noun 'das Turnen' (gymnastics) to refer to the activity or sport as a whole. This form often appears after prepositions.
Meine Tochter hat viel Spaß beim Turnen.
My daughter has a lot of fun doing gymnastics.
In the informal meaning 'spielerisch klettern' (to climb around playfully), the verb is often combined with the particle 'herum' to form 'herumturnen' (to climb around). This emphasizes aimless, playful movement.
Die Affen turnten auf den Ästen der Bäume herum.
The monkeys climbed around on the branches of the trees.
to train
Trainieren and turnen can both refer to physical exercises. „Turnen“ more often refers to gymnastic exercises or the corresponding sport, while „trainieren“ emphasizes regularly building fitness or preparing for a performance. Use „turnen“ for the type of exercise and „trainieren“ for the goal of improvement.
Im Sportunterricht turnen die Kinder an den Geräten.
The children do gymnastics on the apparatus in physical education class.
Vor dem Wettkampf trainiert die Mannschaft jeden Nachmittag.
The team trains every afternoon before the competition.
