verb
schwirren
buzz
Sich schnell und leicht in der Luft bewegen und dabei ein leises, summendes Geräusch machen.
Definition & meaning
The verb schwirren describes a specific type of movement or sound, primarily associated with small, fast-moving objects (like insects) or mechanical parts.
- To buzz or hum: It refers to the soft, rapid humming or buzzing sound produced by the quick movement of wings, such as that of a bee or a dragonfly.
- To dart or flutter: It describes moving quickly and erratically through the air, often in a group.
- Figurative use: It can describe thoughts or ideas racing through one's mind (e.g., "Es schwirren mir tausend Gedanken durch den Kopf" - "A thousand thoughts are buzzing through my head").
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a weak verb. Its conjugation is: schwirrt (present), schwirrte (past), ist geschwirrt (perfect). It is typically used with the auxiliary verb sein when describing movement, and haben when describing the sound/state.
- Word origin: It is an onomatopoeic word (a sound-imitative word) that originated in Middle High German (swirren), meant to echo the sound of a whirring or buzzing object. It is related to the English word "whir."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- summen (to buzz)
- sausen (to whiz or rush)
- flattern (to flutter)
- brummen (to hum or drone)
- herumschwirren (to buzz around)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Viele Bienen schwirren um die Blumen.verb
Many bees buzz around the flowers.
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