wimmeln von
to teem with
To be present in large numbers and in disorganized movement in one place. It is mostly used for a large number of people or animals.
EXAMPLE
Der Marktplatz wimmelte von Touristen.
The marketplace was teeming with tourists.
wimmeln
to teem
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Meanings
wimmeln von
to be full of
In a figurative sense, to be present in large quantities, usually referring to negative things such as mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Der Text wimmelte von Rechtschreibfehlern.
The text was full of spelling mistakes.
Usage tips
Fixed preposition
The verb 'wimmeln' (to teem) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative. The structure is: place + wimmeln + von + dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Ameisenhaufen wimmelte von Ameisen.
The anthill was teeming with ants.
Impersonal use
'Wimmeln' (to teem) is very often used with the impersonal pronoun 'es'. The structure is then: place + wimmelt + es + von + dative.
EXAMPLE
Am Strand wimmelte es nur so von Badegästen.
The beach was absolutely teeming with bathers.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'wimmeln von' (to be full of / to teem with) is often used for negative things. Typical combinations are 'von Fehlern wimmeln' (to be full of mistakes), 'von Widersprüchen wimmeln' (to be full of contradictions), or 'von Problemen wimmeln' (to be full of problems).
EXAMPLE
Sein erster Entwurf wimmelte von logischen Fehlern.
His first draft was full of logical errors.
Compare with
wimmeln vs schwärmen
to rave / swarm
Both words can work for many insects, but they direct attention to different aspects. „Schwärmen“ describes their shared movement as a swarm, while „wimmeln“ emphasizes the high density and disorderly movement in one place. Use „schwärmen“ for setting off or flying and „wimmeln“ for the scene at a particular place.
wimmeln
Am warmen Abend wimmelt es vor dem Stock von Bienen.
On the warm evening, the area in front of the hive is teeming with bees.
schwärmen
Am warmen Abend schwärmen die Bienen aus dem Stock.
On the warm evening, the bees swarm out of the hive.
In real life
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