zappeln
fidget
Sich schnell und unruhig bewegen, oft weil man aufgeregt ist oder nicht stillsitzen kann.
Definition & meaning
Zappeln means to make quick, restless movements, especially with the arms or legs. It is often used for children who cannot sit still, or for an animal such as a fish struggling to escape.
It can also mean to fidget, squirm, or twitch. Figuratively, in jemanden zappeln lassen (“to keep someone waiting”), it describes keeping someone in suspense or making them wait anxiously for an answer or decision.
Grammar & word origin
Zappeln is a regular, weak verb. Its forms include zappelt (present, third-person singular), zappelte (simple past), and hat gezappelt (present perfect). It is usually intransitive: the person or animal moves restlessly, rather than acting on an object.
The word is expressive and likely imitates or evokes quick, jerky movement. It is not made up of separate word parts.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- strampeln — to kick or paddle the legs energetically; often more specifically about leg movements.
- sich winden — to twist or writhe, often with more emphasis on twisting the whole body.
- hampeln — to move awkwardly or jerkily; often sounds informal or mildly critical.
- zucken — to twitch with a brief, sudden movement, rather than fidget continuously.
Antonyms:
- stillhalten — to keep still, especially when asked or required to.
- reglos bleiben — to remain completely motionless.
Common phrases & collocations
Make “zappeln” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Kinder konnten vor Aufregung nicht still sitzen und fingen an zu zappeln.verb
The children could not sit still out of excitement and started to fidget.
Das kleine Kind zappelte ungeduldig, während es auf das Geschenk wartete.verb
The little child fidgeted impatiently while waiting for the present.
Warum zappelst du ständig mit dem Bein, wenn du dich eigentlich entspannen willst?verb
Why are you constantly fidgeting your leg when you actually want to relax?
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad