verb

haspeln

rattle off · wind · reel

Einen Faden oder Wolle auf ein Gestell wickeln.

Definition & meaning

haspeln is a German weak verb with two main meanings:

To wind or reel something onto a reel, especially yarn, thread, or silk.
- Garn haspeln — to reel yarn
- Seide auf eine Haspel haspeln — to wind silk onto a reel
To speak quickly, unclearly, or in a flustered way, often as though the words are tumbling out.
- Er haspelte die Antwort herunter. — He rushed through the answer in a confused way.

The second meaning can suggest nervousness, poor articulation, or an inability to express oneself smoothly.

Grammar & Word origin

Infinitive: haspeln
Verb type: weak, regular verb
Present tense: ich hasple / ich haspele, du haspelst, er haspelt
Simple past: haspelte
Past participle: gehaspelt
Auxiliary verb: haben

The verb is derived from die Haspel , meaning a reel, winding frame, or winch used for winding thread or similar materials. It is therefore originally a denominative verb: “to use a reel” or “to wind onto a reel.” The figurative meaning of speaking in a rushed, tangled manner developed from the idea of winding or tangling something quickly.

Synonyms & antonyms

Meaning 1: to wind onto a reel

aufwickeln — to wind up; broader and more general than haspeln, which specifically evokes winding onto a reel.
spulen — to reel or spool; often used for thread, wire, film, or cable and more strongly emphasizes the use of a spool or reel.

There is no exact everyday antonym. Depending on context, abwickeln — to unwind or unreel — can describe the physical opposite.

Meaning 2: to speak hurriedly or unclearly

stammeln — to stammer or stutter; focuses more on hesitant, interrupted speech.
plappern — to chatter or babble; usually suggests excessive or trivial talking rather than nervous rushing.
herunterrasseln — to rattle something off; emphasizes very fast delivery.
sich verhaspeln — to stumble over one’s words; this is the common reflexive form when someone makes a verbal mistake while speaking.