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A2 verb #9,000 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

flattern

상위 9,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 flattern 30초 만에

설명 flattern in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of flattern as a special word for how birds and butterflies move. Most of the time, you will learn the word fliegen (to fly). Flattern is a bit more specific. Imagine a small bird in a park. It doesn't just fly in a straight line; it moves its wings very fast. That is flattern. You can also use it for simple things at home. For example, if you have a window open and the wind moves your curtains, you can say: 'Die Vorhänge flattern.' It is a regular verb, so it follows the normal rules: ich flattere, du flatterst, er flattert. It is a fun word because it sounds like the movement it describes. Just remember: big things like planes fliegen, but small, light things flattern. You will mostly hear this word when people talk about nature or the wind. It's a great way to make your basic German sound a little more interesting and descriptive.

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At the A2 level, you should start using flattern to describe more than just birds. It is very useful for describing the weather and objects around you. For example, if you see a flag on a building moving in the wind, the correct verb is flattern. A very important grammar point at this level is the use of haben and sein in the perfect tense. If you say 'Der Vogel hat geflattert,' you mean the bird was flapping its wings but staying in one place. If you say 'Der Vogel ist weggeflattert,' you mean the bird flew away by fluttering. This distinction between the action and the movement to a new place is key. You might also hear this word in stories. Authors use it to create a 'mood.' A butterfly fluttering through a garden sounds peaceful. A moth fluttering around a lamp sounds a bit nervous. Try to use it whenever you see something light and thin moving quickly in the air. It's much better than just saying bewegen (to move) or fliegen.

By B1, you can begin to use flattern in a figurative or metaphorical sense. One of the most common expressions is 'das Herzflattern.' This describes the feeling in your chest when you are very nervous or perhaps in love. Your heart feels like a small bird trapped in a cage, moving its wings rapidly. Another common B1 phrase is 'die Nerven flattern.' This is used when someone is under a lot of pressure, like before a big test or a job interview. In terms of grammar, you should be comfortable with using flattern with various prepositions. 'Etwas flattert im Wind' (something flutters in the wind) or 'Etwas flattert durch den Raum' (something flutters through the room). You should also recognize the noun form, das Geflatter, which refers to the general noise or activity of fluttering. If there are many birds in a room, you might say, 'Was für ein Geflatter!' (What a fluttering mess!). This level is all about adding nuance to your descriptions and using the word to describe emotions as well as physical movements.

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At the B2 level, flattern becomes a tool for sophisticated description. You will encounter it in more complex literature and news reports. For instance, a journalist might write about 'flatternde Märkte' (fluttering/volatile markets), though this is more metaphorical, suggesting instability and rapid, unpredictable changes. You should also pay attention to how flattern is used to describe fabrics and fashion. A 'flatterndes Kleid' is a flowy, loose dress that moves beautifully as someone walks. This adds a level of visual detail to your speaking and writing. You should also be aware of more idiomatic uses, such as 'jemandem flattert die Hose,' which is a very colloquial (and somewhat old-fashioned) way of saying someone is scared. At B2, you are expected to choose flattern over simpler verbs like bewegen or zittern to provide a more precise image. You should also be able to use it in the passive voice or with modal verbs effortlessly: 'Die Fahne muss im Wind flattern, um gesehen zu werden.'

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At the C1 level, you should explore the poetic and historical depths of flattern. It is a staple in German lyric poetry, often symbolizing the soul, the transience of life, or the delicate interface between the physical and spiritual worlds. You should be able to analyze why an author chose flattern instead of beben (to quake) or schwingen (to swing). Furthermore, you will see it in technical contexts, such as aerodynamics or mechanical engineering, to describe 'flutter'—a dangerous vibration in aircraft wings caused by aeroelastic instability. While the verb remains the same, the context is highly specialized. You should also be familiar with rare prefixes like zerflattern (to flutter apart or be destroyed by fluttering). Your use of the word should be precise and evocative. For example, instead of saying a person is nervous, you might describe their 'flatterhafter Geist' (fickle or fluttering mind), suggesting someone who cannot focus or is easily distracted. This level requires a deep understanding of the word's connotations and its ability to convey fragility and instability.

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For C2 learners, flattern is a word that can be used to achieve absolute precision in high-level discourse. You should be able to discuss the onomatopoeic origins of the word and how its phonetic structure (the fricative 'f' followed by the liquid 'l' and the sharp 't') mimics the physical sensation of air resistance and rapid motion. In philosophical texts, flattern might be used to describe the 'ephemeral' nature of thoughts or the 'fluttering' of historical events that seem significant but are ultimately fleeting. You should also be able to use it in highly specialized registers, such as discussing the 'Flatterecho' (flutter echo) in acoustics—a series of rapid, distinct reflections of sound. At this level, you don't just use the word; you command its full range of literal, metaphorical, and technical meanings. You can weave it into complex narrative structures to create specific atmospheres, using it to contrast with more stable, 'grounded' verbs. Your mastery of flattern should reflect a deep sensitivity to the 'Klangfarbe' (tone color) of the German language.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

flattern 30초 만에

Flattern means to flutter or flap rapidly, used for birds, insects, and light materials like flags or laundry moving in the wind.
It is a regular verb that uses 'sein' for movement to a place and 'haben' for the action of fluttering in place.
Metaphorically, it describes nervous sensations in the heart or knees, capturing a sense of jittery or unstable energy.
It is more specific than 'fliegen' (to fly), emphasizing lightness and irregular motion rather than steady air travel.

The German verb flattern is a vivid, onomatopoeic word that describes a specific type of movement: fluttering or flapping rapidly and often irregularly. At its core, it refers to the motion of wings, particularly those of birds or insects that move quickly and with a certain degree of lightness or agitation. Unlike the steady, powerful flight described by fliegen, flattern implies a sense of rapid oscillation, a lack of a perfectly straight trajectory, or the sound of thin material catching the air. It captures the visual and auditory essence of something light being tossed by the wind or by its own internal energy.

Literal Movement: In the natural world, small birds like sparrows or hummingbirds are said to flattern when they move between branches. Butterflies are the quintessential examples of this verb, as their flight is characterized by erratic, rapid wing beats that look delicate and unpredictable.
Inanimate Objects: The word extends beautifully to non-living things. A flag flattert in a strong breeze. Curtains flattern when a window is left open during a summer storm. Even loose pieces of paper or laundry hanging on a line can be described with this verb, emphasizing their lightness and the way they react to the air.
Metaphorical Nerves: Germans use flattern to describe physical sensations of anxiety or excitement. If your heart is 'fluttering' (Herzflattern), you are likely nervous, in love, or startled. If someone's nerves are 'fluttering' (die Nerven flattern), they are reaching a breaking point of stress or anticipation.

Ein kleiner, bunter Schmetterling flatterte gestern Nachmittag stundenlang durch unseren blühenden Garten.

Translation: A small, colorful butterfly fluttered through our blooming garden for hours yesterday afternoon.

The word is widely used across all registers of German. In everyday conversation, you might use it to describe a piece of paper that blew away. In literature, it is a favorite of poets to describe the fleeting nature of time or the delicate movements of the soul. It carries a connotation of weightlessness. You would rarely say an eagle flattert unless it is injured or struggling; an eagle gleitet (glides) or schlägt (beats) its wings. Flattern is for the small, the light, and the quick.

Die Fahnen auf dem Dach des Reichstags flattern heute besonders kräftig im Wind.

Translation: The flags on the roof of the Reichstag are fluttering particularly strongly in the wind today.

In a modern context, you might also hear the word in relation to technology or media. If a video signal is unstable, Germans might say the image flattert (flickers or jitters). This highlights the verb's core meaning of rapid, unstable movement. Whether it is a physical wing, a piece of cloth, or a digital image, if it moves back and forth quickly and unevenly, flattern is your go-to verb.

Using flattern correctly requires understanding its relationship with auxiliary verbs (haben vs. sein) and its prepositional partners. Because it is a verb of motion, its grammar changes depending on whether you are emphasizing the action itself or the change of location.

Auxiliary Verb: 'Haben': Use haben when the focus is on the activity of fluttering in place. For example: 'Der Vogel hat mit den Flügeln geflattert' (The bird fluttered its wings). Here, the bird isn't necessarily going anywhere; it's just performing the action.
Auxiliary Verb: 'Sein': Use sein when there is a clear movement from point A to point B. For example: 'Der Schmetterling ist aus dem Fenster geflattert' (The butterfly fluttered out of the window). The change of location triggers the use of sein.

Die Wäsche auf der Leine flatterte den ganzen Tag in der frischen Brise.

Translation: The laundry on the line fluttered in the fresh breeze all day long.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the prepositions. Common ones include im Wind (in the wind), um ... herum (around something), and durch (through). For instance, 'Die Motten flattern um die Lampe herum' (The moths are fluttering around the lamp). This usage is very common in descriptive writing to create a sense of atmosphere and movement.

Als die Tür aufging, flatterten die Papiere vom Schreibtisch auf den Boden.

Translation: When the door opened, the papers fluttered from the desk onto the floor.

In more advanced contexts, you might see flattern used with prefixes. Anflattern suggests something fluttering toward you, while wegflattern means to flutter away. These prefixes add a directional nuance that is very typical of German verbs. For example, 'Ein Brief flatterte mir ins Haus' is an idiomatic way to say a letter arrived unexpectedly, as if it flew in on its own.

Reflexive and Figurative: While not typically reflexive, you can use it to describe one's own internal state: 'Mir flattert das Herz' (My heart is fluttering). This is a common way to express excitement or fear in a poetic or slightly old-fashioned way.

You will encounter flattern in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from nature walks to bureaucratic complaints. It is a word that bridges the gap between scientific observation and emotional expression. Understanding these contexts will help you sound more natural when you use it.

Nature and Wildlife: If you are watching a nature documentary in German or reading a guide about local birds, flattern will appear frequently. It describes the specific behavior of small birds like chickadees or the erratic paths of bats at dusk. 'Die Fledermäuse flattern durch die Nacht' (The bats flutter through the night) is a classic atmospheric sentence.
Weather and Environment: Meteorologists and people describing the weather often use this verb. If a storm is coming, they might mention 'flatternde Planen' (fluttering tarpaulins) or 'flatternde Absperrbänder' (fluttering barrier tapes). It conveys the sound and sight of wind interacting with flexible surfaces.

In der alten Bibliothek flatterten die Seiten der Bücher, als der Wind durch das zerbrochene Fenster blies.

Translation: In the old library, the pages of the books fluttered as the wind blew through the broken window.

In literature and poetry, flattern is indispensable. German Romanticism, in particular, loved the imagery of fluttering wings or hearts. It represents the ephemeral, the spiritual, and the uncontrollable movements of nature. You'll find it in the works of Goethe, Heine, and Rilke to describe everything from the soul to the falling leaves of autumn.

Mir flattern die Knie, wenn ich an die große Prüfung morgen denke.

Translation: My knees are shaking (fluttering) when I think about the big exam tomorrow.

Finally, in sports or competitive contexts, 'die Nerven flattern' is a very common idiom. When a soccer player is about to take a penalty kick and they are visibly nervous, a commentator might say, 'Jetzt flattern die Nerven' (The nerves are fluttering now). It perfectly captures that jittery, unstable feeling of high-pressure moments.

Everyday Domesticity: You'll even hear it at home. 'Mach das Fenster zu, die Vorhänge flattern!' (Close the window, the curtains are fluttering!). It is a practical word for describing minor disturbances in the household environment caused by drafts or wind.

Even though flattern seems straightforward, English speakers and German learners often run into a few specific traps. Understanding these will help you avoid sounding like a beginner and ensure your descriptions are precise.

Confusing 'Flattern' with 'Fliegen': The most common mistake is using flattern when you simply mean 'to fly' (fliegen). While all fluttering involves movement in the air, not all flying is fluttering. Use fliegen for the general act of air travel (planes, birds moving long distances). Use flattern only when the motion is rapid, short, or irregular. You wouldn't say 'Ich flattere nach Berlin' unless you were a very confused pigeon.
Auxiliary Verb Confusion: As mentioned before, learners often stick to haben for all instances of flattern. Remember: 'Der Schmetterling hat geflattert' (he was moving his wings) vs. 'Der Schmetterling ist weggeflattert' (he moved away). The change of state/location requires sein.

Falsch: Das Flugzeug flattert durch die Wolken.
Richtig: Das Flugzeug fliegt durch die Wolken.

Explanation: A plane is too heavy and stable to 'flutter'. Use 'fliegen' instead.

Another mistake involves the word fleddern. Because they sound somewhat similar, some learners confuse flattern with fleddern (to scavenge or rob, usually a corpse or a discarded item). This can lead to very awkward sentences! Always remember that flattern is about wings and wind, while fleddern is a much darker, more specific action.

Falsch: Mein Herz fliegt vor Angst.
Richtig: Mein Herz flattert vor Angst.

Explanation: In English we say 'my heart is racing' or 'fluttering', but in German, 'fliegen' doesn't work for this internal sensation.

Finally, be careful with the word flackern (to flicker). While flattern is for physical objects moving, flackern is primarily for light (a candle, a screen). If a curtain moves in the wind, it flattert. If the light in the room is unstable, it flackert. Mixing these up is a common error for intermediate learners.

To truly master the nuances of German description, it's helpful to compare flattern with its close cousins. Each of these words describes a type of movement or vibration, but the context determines which one is appropriate.

Fliegen vs. Flattern: Fliegen is the general term for flight. It implies purpose and stability. Flattern is a sub-type of flying—one that is frantic, light, or decorative. An airplane fliegt, but a piece of paper flattert.
Zittern vs. Flattern: Zittern means to tremble or shiver. It is usually caused by cold, fear, or age. While flattern can also be caused by fear (nerves), zittern is a more micro-movement. Your hands zittern, but your heart flattert.
Flackern vs. Flattern: Flackern is almost exclusively for light or fire. A candle flame flackert. If you use flattern for a light source, it sounds like the light bulb is physically moving back and forth, which is usually not what you mean.

Die Blätter rascheln am Boden, während die Fahnen im Wind flattern.

Translation: The leaves rustle on the ground while the flags flutter in the wind.

Other alternatives include wedeln (to wag, like a dog's tail or to fan oneself) and schwingen (to swing or vibrate). If you are talking about a bird's wings, you might also use schlagen (to beat). For example, 'Der Schwan schlägt mit den Flügeln' (The swan beats its wings). This sounds much more powerful than flattern.

Statt zu flattern, sollte der Drachen ruhig am Himmel stehen.

Translation: Instead of fluttering (erratically), the kite should stand still in the sky.

In summary, choose flattern when you want to emphasize lightness, speed, and a certain degree of charming or nervous instability. It is a word that brings movement and life to your German descriptions, whether you are talking about nature, emotions, or the laundry.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word is part of a group of German words starting with 'fl-' that describe movement in air or water, such as fließen (flow), fliegen (fly), and flüchten (flee).

발음 가이드

UK /ˈflatɐn/

US /ˈflatərn/

The stress is on the first syllable: FLAT-tern.

라임이 맞는 단어

quattern schattern knattern rattern wattern mattern plattern snattern

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'a' too long (like 'father'), which makes it sound unnatural.
Not pronouncing the 't' sharply enough.
Over-pronouncing the final 'r'.
Confusing the vowel with 'u' (fluttern), which is not a German word.
Mumbling the 'l', which is essential for the onomatopoeic effect.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English similarity.

쓰기 3/5

Requires knowledge of auxiliary verb choice (haben/sein).

말하기 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the double 't' needs care.

듣기 2/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

fliegen Vogel Wind Flügel bewegen

다음에 배울 것

schweben zittern flackern beben stürzen

고급

aeroelastisch ephemer flatterhaft vladern

알아야 할 문법

Auxiliary Verb Selection (Movement)

Der Vogel IST in den Baum geflattert. (Directional)

Auxiliary Verb Selection (Action)

Der Vogel HAT mit den Flügeln geflattert. (Stationary)

Weak Verb Conjugation

Er flatterte (Past), er hat geflattert (Perfect).

Prefixes with Motion Verbs

Wegflattern, anflattern, umherflattern.

Nominalization

Das Flattern der Flügel war laut.

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수준별 예문

Der kleine Vogel flattert.

The little bird flutters.

Simple present tense.

Die Schmetterlinge flattern im Garten.

The butterflies flutter in the garden.

Plural subject.

Die Fahne flattert.

The flag is fluttering.

Singular subject.

Das Papier flattert weg.

The paper flutters away.

Prefix verb 'wegflattern'.

Ich sehe ein Blatt flattern.

I see a leaf fluttering.

Infinitive construction.

Ein bunter Vogel flattert zum Baum.

A colorful bird flutters to the tree.

Preposition 'zu'.

Die Wäsche flattert im Wind.

The laundry flutters in the wind.

Prepositional phrase.

Flattert der Vogel?

Is the bird fluttering?

Interrogative sentence.

Die Vorhänge flattern am offenen Fenster.

The curtains flutter at the open window.

Dative prepositional phrase.

Gestern ist ein Schmetterling ins Zimmer geflattert.

Yesterday a butterfly fluttered into the room.

Perfekt with 'sein' (change of location).

Der Vogel hat nur kurz mit den Flügeln geflattert.

The bird only fluttered its wings for a moment.

Perfekt with 'haben' (action in place).

Die Fahnen flattern heute sehr stark.

The flags are fluttering very strongly today.

Adverbial usage.

Ein kleiner Zettel flatterte auf die Straße.

A small note fluttered onto the street.

Präteritum (narrative past).

Warum flattert diese Plane so laut?

Why is this tarp fluttering so loudly?

Question with 'warum'.

Die Motten flattern um das Licht herum.

The moths are fluttering around the light.

Circumposition 'um...herum'.

Die Blätter flatterten von den Bäumen.

The leaves fluttered from the trees.

Präteritum plural.

Vor der Prüfung flatterten meine Nerven gewaltig.

My nerves were fluttering terribly before the exam.

Figurative usage.

Wenn ich ihn sehe, flattert mein Herz.

When I see him, my heart flutters.

Metaphorical heart movement.

Ein wichtiger Brief ist mir heute ins Haus geflattert.

An important letter fluttered into my house today.

Idiomatic 'ins Haus flattern'.

Das ständige Geflatter der Vögel macht mich nervös.

The constant fluttering of the birds makes me nervous.

Nominalized verb (Gerund).

Die Gardinen flatterten sanft in der Sommerbrise.

The curtains fluttered gently in the summer breeze.

Adjective-noun agreement.

Ein Schal flatterte aus dem fahrenden Auto.

A scarf fluttered out of the moving car.

Preposition 'aus'.

Die Fledermaus flatterte hektisch durch die Höhle.

The bat fluttered hectically through the cave.

Adverb 'hektisch'.

Überall flatterten bunte Bänder im Wind.

Colorful ribbons fluttered everywhere in the wind.

Adverb 'überall'.

Die Segel flatterten, als der Wind plötzlich drehte.

The sails fluttered when the wind suddenly shifted.

Conjunction 'als'.

Ihr flatterndes Kleid zog alle Blicke auf sich.

Her fluttering (flowy) dress attracted everyone's attention.

Participle used as adjective.

Die Nerven der Spieler begannen in der Nachspielzeit zu flattern.

The players' nerves began to flutter in stoppage time.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Ein unbestimmtes Gefühl der Angst flatterte durch ihre Brust.

A vague feeling of fear fluttered through her chest.

Abstract subject.

Die losen Seiten des Manuskripts flatterten wild umher.

The loose pages of the manuscript fluttered wildly around.

Prefix verb 'umherflattern'.

Man hörte nur das leise Flattern der Nachtfalter.

One only heard the quiet fluttering of the moths.

Genitive case.

Die Absperrbänder flatterten im stürmischen Wetter.

The barrier tapes fluttered in the stormy weather.

Adjective 'stürmisch'.

Das Bild auf dem alten Monitor begann zu flattern.

The image on the old monitor began to flicker/jitter.

Technical usage.

Die ephemeren Wesen flatterten nur einen Sommer lang.

The ephemeral creatures fluttered for only one summer.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'ephemer'.

Ein Hauch von Melancholie flatterte durch das Gedicht.

A touch of melancholy fluttered through the poem.

Literary metaphor.

Die aeroelastischen Schwingungen ließen die Tragflächen flattern.

The aeroelastic vibrations caused the wings to flutter.

Technical/Scientific context.

Seine Gedanken flatterten ziellos von einem Thema zum nächsten.

His thoughts fluttered aimlessly from one topic to the next.

Cognitive metaphor.

Das Licht der Kerze flatterte im Luftzug der Tür.

The candle's light fluttered in the draft from the door.

Light/movement nuance.

Tausende Konfettischnipsel flatterten über das jubelnde Stadion.

Thousands of pieces of confetti fluttered over the cheering stadium.

Mass noun subject.

Ein leises Flattern der Lider verriet seine Erregung.

A slight fluttering of the eyelids betrayed his excitement.

Subtle physical observation.

In der Ferne sah man die Segel der Fischerboote flattern.

In the distance, one could see the sails of the fishing boats fluttering.

Accusative with infinitive.

Die flatterhafte Natur des Glücks ist ein zentrales Thema der Barocklyrik.

The fickle (fluttering) nature of luck is a central theme of Baroque poetry.

Adjective 'flatterhaft'.

Wie ein angeschlagener Vogel flatterte die Seele dem Licht entgegen.

Like a wounded bird, the soul fluttered toward the light.

Simile with 'wie'.

Das Flatterecho in diesem Saal beeinträchtigt die Akustik massiv.

The flutter echo in this hall severely affects the acoustics.

Highly specialized term.

Die Pergamentseiten flatterten spröde unter seinen Fingern.

The parchment pages fluttered brittly under his fingers.

Sensory detail 'spröde'.

Ein Flattern im Zeitgefüge deutete auf die kommende Katastrophe hin.

A fluttering in the fabric of time pointed toward the coming catastrophe.

Metaphysical usage.

Die Fahnen der Ideologien flattern oft im Wind der Zweckmäßigkeit.

The flags of ideologies often flutter in the wind of expediency.

Complex political metaphor.

Das unaufhörliche Flattern der Informationen überforderte die Sinne.

The incessant fluttering of information overwhelmed the senses.

Modern sociological metaphor.

Man vernahm ein Flattern, als ob tausend Geisterflügel sich regten.

One perceived a fluttering, as if a thousand ghost wings were stirring.

Subjunctive II 'als ob'.

자주 쓰는 조합

im Wind flattern

mit den Flügeln flattern

die Nerven flattern

das Herz flattert

ins Haus flattern

wild flattern

leise flattern

wegflattern

umherflattern

flatternde Kleidung

자주 쓰는 구문

Ein Brief flattert ins Haus.

— A letter arrives unexpectedly or suddenly. It implies the letter just 'appeared' like a bird.

Heute flatterte mir die Kündigung ins Haus.

Die Nerven flattern.

— To be extremely nervous or jittery. Often used before stressful events.

Kurz vor der Hochzeit flatterten ihr die Nerven.

Mit den Wimpern flattern.

— To bat one's eyelashes, often as a sign of flirting or feigned innocence.

Sie flatterte unschuldig mit den Wimpern.

Das Herz flattert.

— One's heart is racing or beating irregularly due to excitement or fear.

Mein Herz flattert, wenn ich an dich denke.

Flattern gehen.

— To be lost, ruined, or to disappear (slang).

Mein ganzes Geld ist beim Glücksspiel flattern gegangen.

Ein Flattern im Bauch.

— Butterflies in the stomach; a feeling of nervous excitement.

Ich habe ein Flattern im Bauch vor dem ersten Date.

Die Knie flattern.

— One's knees are shaking from fear or weakness.

Ihm flatterten die Knie auf der hohen Leiter.

Wie ein aufgescheuchtes Huhn flattern.

— To act frantically and without direction, like a startled chicken.

Sie flatterte wie ein aufgescheuchtes Huhn durch die Wohnung.

Etwas zum Flattern bringen.

— To make something move or vibrate, often used for emotions or physical objects.

Die Musik brachte die Fensterscheiben zum Flattern.

Ein flatterhaftes Wesen.

— A fickle or unreliable person who changes their mind frequently.

Er ist ein flatterhaftes Wesen und hält nie sein Wort.

자주 혼동되는 단어

flattern vs fliegen

Fliegen is general flight; flattern is specifically fast, light, or irregular wing movement.

flattern vs flackern

Flackern is for light/fire; flattern is for physical objects/wings.

flattern vs fleddern

Fleddern means to scavenge/rob; flattern means to flutter. Don't mix them up!

관용어 및 표현

"Jemandem geht die Düse flattern."

— Someone is very scared or nervous (very informal slang).

Als er die Polizei sah, ging ihm die Düse flattern.

slang

"Sich die Flatter holen."

— To become frightened or to get 'the jitters'.

Hol dir jetzt bloß nicht die Flatter!

informal

"Den Flattermann machen."

— To leave quickly or to 'fly the coop' (colloquial).

Er hat einfach den Flattermann gemacht, ohne zu bezahlen.

colloquial

"Die Flatter kriegen."

— To get scared or panicky.

Ich krieg gleich die Flatter, wenn das so weitergeht.

informal

"Wie ein Fähnchen im Wind flattern."

— To be opportunistic and change opinions depending on who is listening.

Er hat keine eigene Meinung, er flattert wie ein Fähnchen im Wind.

neutral

"Flattern wie ein Lammerschwanz."

— To shake or vibrate violently (regional/informal).

Das Blech flattert wie ein Lammerschwanz.

dialect/informal

"Die Hose flattern haben."

— To be very afraid (old-fashioned/colloquial).

Hattest du die Hose flattern, als der Hund bellte?

colloquial

"Etwas ist flattern gegangen."

— Something is lost or gone (often money or opportunities).

Die Ersparnisse sind bei der Inflation flattern gegangen.

informal

"Ein Herz zum Flattern bringen."

— To make someone fall in love or feel excited.

Sein Lächeln bringt jedes Herz zum Flattern.

poetic

"Die Flatter machen."

— To escape or run away.

Bevor der Chef kam, hat er die Flatter gemacht.

slang

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flattern vs flackern

Similar sound and both imply instability.

Flackern refers to light (candle, screen), while flattern refers to physical objects moving in air.

Die Kerze flackert, während die Gardine flattert.

flattern vs flattern

Confusion with 'flappen' (not a common German word).

English speakers might try to say 'flappen', but the correct German word for flapping/fluttering is flattern.

Der Vogel flattert (not flappt).

flattern vs zittern

Both describe rapid, small movements.

Zittern is a vibration/shiver (often from cold), while flattern involves larger, air-based movements.

Ich zittere vor Kälte, aber mein Herz flattert vor Aufregung.

flattern vs schlagen

Both can describe wing movement.

Schlagen implies a strong, forceful beat (e.g., an eagle), while flattern is light and rapid (e.g., a butterfly).

Der Adler schlägt mit den Flügeln, der Spatz flattert.

flattern vs wedeln

Both involve back-and-forth movement.

Wedeln is a broader, often rhythmic movement (like a dog's tail), while flattern is faster and more chaotic.

Der Hund wedelt mit dem Schwanz, während die Fahne flattert.

문장 패턴

[Subject] flattert.

Der Vogel flattert.

[Subject] flattert im [Noun].

Die Fahne flattert im Wind.

Mir flattert das [Body Part].

Mir flattert das Herz.

[Subject] ist [Preposition] geflattert.

Der Schmetterling ist ins Haus geflattert.

[Subject] flatterte [Adverb] umher.

Die Blätter flatterten wild umher.

Das [Nominalized Verb] von [Noun] ist [Adjective].

Das Flattern der Flügel ist leise.

Ein [Abstract Noun] flatterte durch [Noun].

Ein Hauch von Angst flatterte durch den Raum.

Als ob [Subject] [Subjunctive II Verb].

Es war, als ob tausend Geisterflügel flatterten.

어휘 가족

명사

das Geflatter

der Flattermann

die Flatterei

das Herzflattern

die Flatterhaftigkeit

동사

anflattern

wegflattern

umherflattern

durchflattern

beflattern

zerflattern

형용사

flatterhaft

flatterig

geflattert

사용법

frequency

Common in descriptions of nature, weather, and emotions.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'fliegen' for a flag. → Die Fahne flattert.
Flags don't travel through the air; they move in place, so 'flattern' is the correct verb.
Ich bin geflattert (meaning I was nervous). → Mir haben die Nerven geflattert.
You don't 'flutter' yourself unless you have wings; your nerves or heart do the fluttering.
Der Vogel hat weggeflattert. → Der Vogel ist weggeflattert.
Change of location requires 'sein' as the auxiliary verb.
Die Kerze flattert. → Die Kerze flackert.
Light sources 'flackern' (flicker), they don't 'flattern' (flutter).
Das Flugzeug flattert nach London. → Das Flugzeug fliegt nach London.
Normal commercial flight is 'fliegen'. 'Flattern' would imply the plane is falling apart.

팁

Watch the Auxiliary

Always decide if you are describing the action (haben) or the movement to a new place (sein).

Butterfly Verb

Associate 'flattern' primarily with butterflies to remember its light and erratic nature.

Heart Health

Use 'Herzflattern' to describe romantic excitement—it sounds very natural in German.

Sharp 'T'

Make the double 't' crisp and short to maintain the word's rhythmic feel.

Atmospheric Detail

Use 'flattern' to describe curtains or flags to instantly create a windy or drafty atmosphere in your writing.

Context Clues

If you hear 'flattern', look for a subject that is light, thin, or winged.

Nervousness

When you're stressed, say 'Meine Nerven flattern' to explain your state to German friends.

Not for Planes

Avoid using 'flattern' for stable flight; keep it for the jittery and the light.

The Grilled Chicken

Remember 'Flattermann' is chicken; it's a fun word to use at an Imbiss!

Technical Use

In engineering, 'flattern' is a serious term for wing vibration—context matters!

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Flat Flag' in the wind. 'Flattern' is what that 'Flat' object does when the wind hits it. The sound 'FL-TT' mimics the flapping sound of a flag.

시각적 연상

Imagine a bright yellow butterfly (Schmetterling) trying to stay on a flower during a windy day. It is 'flattern-ing' its wings to stay balanced.

Word Web

Schmetterling Vogel Fahne Herz Wind Nerven Wäsche Papier

챌린지

Try to describe three things in your room that could 'flattern' if you opened a window. Use the sentence structure: 'Wenn der Wind weht, flattert mein/meine...'

어원

Derived from Middle High German 'vladern' or 'vlederen', which is related to the Old High German 'fledarōn'. It is an onomatopoeic word meant to imitate the sound of wings flapping.

원래 의미: To move wings rapidly, to wave, or to flutter.

Germanic, related to English 'flutter' and Dutch 'fladderen'.

문화적 맥락

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that 'flatterhaft' (fickle) can be a negative personality trait description.

The English 'flutter' is a near-perfect equivalent, though 'flattern' is used more frequently for inanimate objects like flags than 'flutter' might be in some English dialects (where 'flap' might be preferred).

Goethe's 'Faust' (references to spirits and fluttering movements). Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry (frequent use of fluttering as a metaphor for the soul). The song 'Flieger, grüß mir die Sonne' (mentions of flight and movement).

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실제 사용 상황

Nature Observation

Vögel flattern
Schmetterlinge flattern
um die Blumen flattern
mit den Flügeln flattern

Weather Reports

Fahnen flattern im Wind
starkes Flattern
im Sturm flattern
leichtes Flattern

Emotional States

Herzflattern haben
die Nerven flattern
die Knie flattern
ein Flattern im Bauch

Domestic Life

Wäsche flattert
Vorhänge flattern
Papiere flattern weg
Zettel flattert

Literary Descriptions

Seele flattert
ephemeres Flattern
leises Flattern
durch die Nacht flattern

대화 시작하기

"Hast du gesehen, wie die bunten Schmetterlinge im Park flattern?"

"Warum flattern die Fahnen heute eigentlich so extrem stark?"

"Flattert dein Herz auch immer, wenn du eine Rede halten musst?"

"Ist dir heute auch schon eine Rechnung ins Haus geflattert?"

"Findest du das Flattern der Fledermäuse am Abend auch so faszinierend?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem dir die Nerven geflattert haben. Was ist passiert?

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Schmetterling. Wohin würdest du heute flattern?

Warum ist das Bild von flatternden Fahnen so oft ein Symbol für Freiheit?

Schreibe über einen stürmischen Tag und alles, was im Wind flatterte.

Was bedeutet 'Herzflattern' für dich persönlich? Ist es positiv oder negativ?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, while it's very common for birds and insects, it's also used for flags, laundry, paper, and even human emotions like nervousness.

Use 'sein' when the fluttering results in a change of location. For example: 'Der Vogel ist weggeflattert' (The bird fluttered away).

Only in a technical sense (aeroelastic flutter) or if the airplane is moving very unstably. Normally, you use 'fliegen'.

It means someone is very nervous or jittery, usually before a stressful event like an exam.

It is a weak (regular) verb. Its forms are flatterte, hat/ist geflattert.

In colloquial German, it's a slang term for a grilled chicken.

Usually, 'flackern' is used for light. 'Flattern' would only be used if the light source itself was physically moving.

Yes, it's a favorite word for German poets to describe light, delicate movements or the soul.

It is a short 'a', similar to the 'a' in the English word 'cat' or 'hat'.

'Flattern' is for things in the air or moving like wings; 'zappeln' is for struggling or fidgeting with limbs on the ground.

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