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
vögeln
to catch birds
An outdated and regional term for catching birds.
EXAMPLE
Früher gingen die Jungen im Herbst vögeln, um ihr Essen aufzubessern.
In the past, the boys would go catching birds in the fall to supplement their food.
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Outdated meaning
The meaning 'Vögel fangen' (to catch birds) is outdated (archaic) and is not part of modern German usage.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 can both be used vulgarly to say that people are having sexual intercourse. Ficken usually sounds considerably more obscene, harsher, and possibly more aggressive. Vögeln is also crude and can sound vulgar, but for the same statement it is often less harsh.
vögeln
In seiner derben Erzählung sagte er, die beiden hätten miteinander gevögelt.
In his crude account, he said that the two of them had fucked.
ficken
In seiner wütenden, obszönen Erzählung sagte er, die beiden hätten miteinander gefickt.
In his angry, obscene account, he said that the two of them had fucked.
In real life
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