spinnen

The German word "spinnen" is a verb with two primary meanings:

1. To spin (threads or fibers) – related to the action of turning fibers into yarn or thread.

2. To be crazy or to act goofy (colloquial) – used informally to describe someone as acting irrationally or oddly.

"Spinnen" comes from the old Germanic root related to the action of spinning thread.

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Similar words:

• flocken — to flock, bundle wool (related to fibers)
• drehen — to turn or rotate
• ausflippen (colloquial) — to freak out
• verrückt sein — to be crazy

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Differences:

• Spinnen literally refers to spinning thread, but colloquially expresses someone’s odd or irrational behavior.
• Unlike ausflippen (which means to lose control or freak out suddenly), spinnen suggests a more continuous odd behavior or thought pattern.
• Verrückt sein is a stronger expression for being mentally unwell or crazy, while spinnen is often playful or less serious.