to wobble
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to wobble
To be unstable and move uncontrollably back and forth because something is not fixed firmly. This can refer to furniture, teeth, or other objects.
Der Tisch wackelt, weil eines der Beine zu kurz ist.
The table wobbles because one of the legs is too short.
'Wackeln' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct accusative object. You cannot say 'den Tisch wackeln' (to wobble the table). To express that you make something wobble, use the construction 'an etwas (Dativ) wackeln' (to wiggle/wobble something).
Das Kind wackelt schon seit Tagen an seinem lockeren Zahn.
The child has been wiggling his loose tooth for days.
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the subject. If the subject is a concrete object like 'Tisch' (table) or 'Zahn' (tooth), the literal meaning is intended. If the subject is abstract like 'Plan' (plan), 'Position' (position), or 'Arbeitsplatz' (job), it is the figurative meaning of being uncertain or at risk.
Sein Arbeitsplatz wackelt nach dem Streit mit dem Chef.
His job is shaky after the argument with the boss.
When an intentional, often rhythmic movement is meant, 'wackeln' is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and a dative object. Typical examples are 'mit dem Schwanz wackeln' (to wag one's tail) or 'mit den Hüften wackeln' (to wiggle one's hips).
Beim Tanzen wackelte sie rhythmisch mit den Schultern.
While dancing, she rhythmically wiggled her shoulders.
to shake
'schütteln' and 'wackeln' both describe a back-and-forth movement. The most important difference is: with 'schütteln', someone usually moves something forcefully and intentionally, for example a bottle so that the contents mix. 'wackeln' is often used when something is not firm or not stable and therefore moves, for example a table or a tooth. It can also be an intentional small movement, such as when dancing. Learners confuse the words because the movement looks similar. As a practical rule: someone who actively and forcefully moves something 'schüttelt' it. Something that is loose or unstable 'wackelt'.
Der alte Stuhl wackelt, weil ein Bein kürzer ist.
The old chair wobbles because one leg is shorter.
Vor dem Trinken schüttelt Lisa die Saftflasche kräftig.
Before drinking, Lisa shakes the juice bottle vigorously.