01
vögeln
to fuck
A colloquial expression, often perceived as vulgar, for sexual intercourse.
example
Die beiden haben die ganze Nacht gevögelt.
The two of them fucked all night.
vögeln
to fuck
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'vögeln' is derived directly from the noun 'der Vogel' (bird). This connection explains the old meaning, now hardly used, 'Vögel fangen' (to catch birds). The modern sexual meaning developed from it as a colloquial metaphor.
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger erzählte, wie man früher Vögel gefangen hat.
The hunter explained how people used to catch birds.
Register and style
This is the most important information for learners: in its modern meaning, 'vögeln' is a very colloquial word for sexual intercourse and is often perceived as vulgar. It is absolutely inappropriate in formal or polite conversations.
EXAMPLE
Er benutzte eine sehr grobe Sprache, die alle schockierte.
He used very crude language that shocked everyone.
Outdated meaning
The meaning 'Vögel fangen' (to catch birds) is outdated (archaic) and is not part of modern German usage. You find it almost only in historical texts. In everyday life, this meaning is practically irrelevant.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Buch stand, dass die Dorfbewohner im Wald vögelten.
The old book said that the villagers caught birds in the forest.
Compare with
vögeln vs ficken
to fuck
'ficken' and 'vögeln' both mean sexual intercourse, and neither is neutral. 'ficken' is very vulgar and often sounds harsh or insulting. 'vögeln' is also colloquial and can likewise sound vulgar, but it sometimes sounds a little less aggressive. In polite conversations, at work, or with strangers, you should avoid both words. In those situations, a neutral wording is more natural.
vögeln
Unter engen Freunden spricht Tom manchmal derb und sagt vögeln statt eine neutrale Formulierung zu benutzen.
Among close friends, Tom sometimes speaks crudely and says vögeln instead of using a neutral expression.
ficken
In dem Streit benutzt er das Wort ficken sehr grob.
During the argument, he uses the word ficken very crudely.
In real life
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