das Meckern, .
complain · complaining
Sich über etwas beschweren und zeigen, dass man nicht zufrieden ist.
The German verb "meckern" means "to complain" or "to grumble", usually in a somewhat nagging or repetitive way.
It is related to the sound goats make ("meckern" imitating bleating), used figuratively for people expressing dissatisfaction or whining.
Similar words:
- jammern (to whine, lament)
- nörgeln (to nag, gripe)
- murren (to grumble, murmur)
Differences:
- Meckern often implies complaining in a somewhat childish or petty manner.
- Jammern is more about expressing sorrow or distress.
- Nörgeln emphasizes constant nitpicking or minor complaints.
- Murren conveys a quieter, less open form of dissatisfaction.
"Meckern" is often conversational and colloquial, used when someone is noticeably fussing or complaining.
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Examples
Die Kinder meckern über das kalte Essen.verb
The children complain about the cold food.
Dein ständiges Meckern hilft uns auch nicht weiter.noun
Your constant complaining doesn't help us move forward either.
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