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.
to vibrate
In a figurative sense, to be filled with a noticeable tension, excitement, or energy.
Vor dem Finale vibrierte die Luft im Stadion förmlich vor Anspannung.
Before the final, the air in the stadium practically vibrated with tension.
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
Both words are possible when describing an emotionally charged voice. „Zittern“ emphasizes that the voice sounds shaky or uncertain, while „vibrieren“ conveys more of a perceptible sense of tension or energy. For fear or uncertainty, „zittern“ is appropriate; for powerful inner excitement, „vibrieren“ may be more suitable.
Vor Begeisterung vibrierte seine Stimme, als er die Nachricht vorlas.
His voice vibrated with enthusiasm as he read the news aloud.
Vor Aufregung zitterte ihre Stimme, als sie die Nachricht vorlas.
Her voice trembled with excitement as she read the news aloud.
