to vibrate
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to vibrate
To start or be set into quick, fine oscillations. This often applies to technical devices or can be caused by physical forces.
Mein Handy vibriert in der Tasche, weil ich einen Anruf bekomme.
My phone is vibrating in my pocket because I'm getting a call.
The verb 'vibrieren' (to vibrate) always forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'haben' (to have). It describes a state or an ongoing action, not directed movement.
Mein altes Auto hat bei hohen Geschwindigkeiten stark vibriert.
My old car vibrated strongly at high speeds.
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the subject. Concrete objects like a phone or a machine vibrate literally, while abstract nouns like 'Luft' (air) or 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere) indicate a tense, charged mood.
Die Fensterscheiben vibrierten wegen des lauten Basses.
The windowpanes vibrated because of the loud bass.
In the literal meaning, 'vibrieren' (to vibrate) is often used for technical devices or as the result of physical forces. Typical subjects include a phone, a controller, or the ground during an earthquake.
Der Boden vibrierte leicht, als der schwere LKW vorbeifuhr.
The ground vibrated slightly as the heavy truck drove by.
In the figurative meaning, the preposition 'vor' is often used with a feeling in the dative. This construction describes an intense, noticeable atmosphere.
Die Stadt vibrierte vor Vorfreude auf das große Festival.
The city vibrated with anticipation for the big festival.
to tremble
'zittern' and 'vibrieren' both describe quick, small movements. 'zittern' is used especially for people, body parts, or the voice when the cause is cold, fear, excitement, or weakness. 'vibrieren' fits better with devices, machines, phones, or other things that move in fine oscillations because of technical or physical forces. In a figurative sense, a room or an atmosphere can also 'vibrieren' when there is a lot of tension or energy. The words can be confused because the movement looks similar. For people, you usually say 'zittern'; for devices and regular oscillations, 'vibrieren' is more appropriate.
Während der Besprechung vibrierte mein Handy in der Tasche.
During the meeting, my phone vibrated in my pocket.
Nach dem Training zitterten ihm die Beine vor Anstrengung.
After the workout, his legs were trembling from the effort.