verb

tropfen

drip

Eine sehr kleine Menge Flüssigkeit, die rund geformt ist und meist von oben nach unten fällt.

Definition & meaning

The word tropfen primarily functions as a verb meaning to drip or to fall in small, spherical portions of liquid. It describes the slow, repetitive movement of fluid, such as a leaking faucet or sweat running down a face.

Additionally, as a plural noun (die Tropfen), it refers to the drops themselves. In a medical context, it often refers to liquid medication taken in specific counts, such as Hustentropfen (cough drops/syrup).

Grammar & Word origin

As a verb, tropfen is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal parts are tropft, tropfte, and hat getropft. It can be used intransitively (the water drips) or transitively when describing the action of letting something fall in drops.

The word originates from the Middle High German word trupfen and the Old High German word tropfōn. It shares the same Germanic root as the English words drop and drip. The noun form is der Tropfen, which follows the masculine gender.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms for the verb include tröpfeln, which implies an even lighter or finer dripping, rinnen for a slow flow, and lecken when referring to a container that is leaking. Another synonym related to spilling is kleckern.

Antonyms usually describe a much faster or larger movement of liquid. Common opposites are strömen (to stream or pour), schütten (to pour heavily), and fließen (to flow). If referring to the cessation of liquid, the word versiegen (to dry up or stop flowing) can be used.