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B1 verb #8,000 most common 10 min read

brüllen

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips brüllen in 30 Seconds

Explanation brüllen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'brüllen' is a very loud sound. You might learn it in the context of animals. For example, 'Der Löwe brüllt.' It is like 'roar' in English. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember it is much louder than 'sprechen' (to speak). Think of a big animal or a very angry person. It is a regular verb, so it follows the basic rules you are learning for 'machen' or 'spielen'. 'Ich brülle, du brüllst, er brüllt.' It is a fun word to say because of the 'ü' sound and the rolling 'l's. Do not worry about the metaphorical meanings yet. Just focus on the sound of a lion or a very loud baby.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'brüllen' to describe people's emotions in a simple way. You might say 'Er ist wütend und brüllt.' You also begin to see it in the past tense: 'Der Löwe hat gebrüllt.' You should be able to distinguish it from 'schreien'. While 'schreien' is more common for 'to scream', 'brüllen' is for that deep, roaring sound. You might also encounter the phrase 'vor Lachen brüllen' (to roar with laughter), which is a great way to describe a very funny situation. In your A2 exams, you could use this word to describe a picture of a zoo or a noisy football stadium. It shows that you have a more specific vocabulary than just using 'laut sein'.

At the B1 level, you should master the nuances of 'brüllen'. This includes using it with prepositions like 'vor' (vor Schmerz brüllen, vor Wut brüllen). You also need to know the separable verb 'anbrüllen'. If someone is very angry and shouts at you, they 'brüllen dich an'. This is a common scenario in stories or workplace discussions. You should also understand that 'brüllen' can be used for inanimate objects like a 'brüllender Motor' (a roaring engine). At this level, you are expected to use the word to add descriptive detail to your speaking and writing. Instead of saying 'Die Leute waren laut', you can say 'Die Menge brüllte vor Begeisterung', which sounds much more advanced and precise.

At the B2 level, 'brüllen' becomes a tool for stylistic expression. You understand its register—it is quite informal and visceral. You can use it to describe societal phenomena, like 'das Brüllen der Massen' in a political context. You also recognize related nouns like 'das Gebrüll' and how they function in a sentence. You should be comfortable using the verb in all tenses, including the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) for hypothetical situations: 'Wenn er mich so anbrüllen würde, würde ich sofort gehen.' You also start to see the word in idiomatic expressions and can distinguish it from similar verbs like 'grölen' (drunken shouting) or 'johlen' (cheering). Your use of 'brüllen' should feel natural and context-appropriate.

At the C1 level, you use 'brüllen' and its derivatives with sophisticated precision. You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's 'animalistic' nature or in a socio-political essay to describe the 'roaring' of the twenties (die brüllenden Zwanziger - though 'goldene' is more common, 'brüllend' can be used for effect). You are aware of the subtle differences between 'anbrüllen', 'aufbrüllen', 'herumbrüllen', and 'nachbrüllen'. You can use the word to create vivid imagery in your writing, perhaps describing a storm that 'brüllt' through the mountains. You also understand the cultural implications of the word in German society, where 'Ruhestörung' (disturbing the peace) is a serious topic, and 'brüllen' is the ultimate auditory disturbance.

At the C2 level, 'brüllen' is just one of dozens of verbs at your disposal for vocal expression, and you choose it for its specific phonetic and evocative qualities. You might use it in a highly formal speech to metaphorically describe the 'roaring' injustice of a situation, or in a creative masterpiece to personify the sea. You understand the etymological roots of the word and its relationship to other Germanic languages. You can play with the word, perhaps using it ironically in a very quiet setting. Your mastery allows you to use 'brüllen' in a way that captures the exact degree of volume, pitch, and emotional intent required by the most complex of contexts, from the operatic stage to the philosophical treatise.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

brüllen in 30 Seconds

Brüllen is a German verb meaning 'to roar' or 'to bellow', used for animals like lions and for intense human emotions.
It is a regular verb (brüllte, gebrüllt) and is stronger and deeper in tone than the general word for shouting, 'schreien'.
Commonly used in idioms like 'vor Lachen brüllen' (to roar with laughter) and separable forms like 'anbrüllen' (to shout at someone).
It can also describe loud, roaring sounds from inanimate objects like engines, storms, or the sea.

The German verb brüllen is a powerful and evocative word that primarily describes the production of a loud, deep, and resonant sound. While its most literal application is found in the animal kingdom—specifically the majestic roar of a lion or the bellowing of a bull—its usage in everyday German is far more expansive and emotionally charged. When humans brüllen, they are not merely speaking loudly; they are exerting the full force of their lungs, often driven by intense emotions such as uncontrollable anger, excruciating pain, or overwhelming joy. Understanding this word requires recognizing the difference between a simple shout (schreien) and a deep-chested, vibrating roar (brüllen).

Animal Sounds: In biological contexts, it describes the vocalizations of large mammals. A lion does not just make noise; it roars to establish territory. This is the primary definition taught to children.
Human Emotion: When a person is furious, they might 'brüllen' at someone. This implies a level of volume and bass that is intimidating. It is also used for 'brüllen vor Lachen' (roaring with laughter), showing its versatility in positive contexts.
Acoustic Quality: The word suggests a certain 'grain' or 'texture' to the voice—it is rough, loud, and usually low-pitched. It is the opposite of a high-pitched scream.

Der hungrige Löwe lässt ein mächtiges Brüllen hören, das durch die ganze Savanne schallt.

In a social setting, using this word provides a specific nuance. If you say someone 'schreit', they might be scared. If you say they 'brüllen', they are likely dominant, aggressive, or experiencing a very primal physical sensation. In German literature and daily news, you might see it used to describe the sound of engines or the collective noise of a crowd at a football stadium. The roar of a stadium is a classic example of 'das Brüllen der Menge'.

Der Trainer brüllte seine Anweisungen über das Spielfeld, damit jeder ihn verstehen konnte.

Furthermore, the word is frequently combined with prefixes to change its directionality. 'Anbrüllen' means to shout directly at someone in a hostile manner. This is a common verb in office or military dramas. 'Aufbrüllen' describes a sudden, eruptive roar, perhaps when someone is startled or hit by a sudden realization or pain. The sheer physical energy required to 'brüllen' makes it a high-intensity verb that should be used sparingly in writing to maintain its impact.

Wir haben vor Lachen gebrüllt, als er uns die Geschichte von seinem Missgeschick erzählte.

Context: Sports: Fans in Germany are known for their passion. The 'Brüllen' of the 'Gelbe Wand' (Yellow Wall) in Dortmund is world-famous.

Using brüllen correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns as both an intransitive and transitive verb (specifically when using prefixes). In its base form, it is most often used intransitively to describe the act of making the sound. However, the nuances of German grammar allow for various prepositional phrases that indicate the cause or the target of the roaring.

Intransitive Usage: The subject simply performs the action. 'Das Kind brüllt.' (The child is screaming/bellowing). This is often used for infants who are crying very loudly and deeply.
With Prepositions: 'Vor' is the most common preposition used to indicate the reason. 'Vor Schmerz brüllen' (to roar with pain) or 'vor Wut brüllen' (to roar with rage). This structure is essential for B1 learners.

Der verletzte Spieler brüllte vor Schmerz, als er auf dem Boden lag.

When you want to indicate that the shouting is directed at a specific person, you typically use the separable verb anbrüllen. This takes an accusative object. 'Er brüllt mich an' (He is shouting at me). Note that 'brüllen' by itself is rarely used with a direct object unless you are referring to the specific words being shouted, such as 'Befehle brüllen' (to bark/roar commands).

Der Feldwebel brüllte seine Befehle durch den Regen.

In terms of tense, 'brüllen' is a weak (regular) verb. Its forms are: brüllen (infinitive), brüllte (past), hat gebrüllt (perfect). This makes it relatively easy to conjugate compared to strong verbs like 'schreien' (schrie, hat geschrien). Learners should practice the perfect tense, as it is the most common way to describe past events in spoken German.

Sie haben den ganzen Abend vor Lachen gebrüllt.

Imperative Form: 'Brüll nicht so!' (Don't roar/shout like that!). This is a common command given to children or people being too loud in a quiet place.

One final stylistic note: 'brüllen' can also describe inanimate objects that make a roaring sound, such as 'der brüllende Sturm' (the roaring storm) or 'der brüllende Motor' (the roaring engine). This personification adds a dramatic flair to descriptions in creative writing or journalism.

In the real world of German speakers, brüllen is not a word you hear in polite, quiet conversation, but it is omnipresent in high-energy environments. One of the most common places to encounter this verb is at a Fußballspiel (football match). German football culture is loud and rhythmic. Fans don't just sing; they roar. You will often hear commentators describe the atmosphere by saying 'Das Stadion brüllt', or 'Die Fans brüllen ihre Mannschaft nach vorne'.

Modern Media: In action movies or dubbed series, 'brüllen' is the standard term for the hero's battle cry or the villain's roar of defeat. It is a staple of cinematic German.
The Workplace: While unprofessional, you might hear employees gossip about a boss who 'rumbrüllt' (shouts around). This prefix 'rum-' adds a sense of aimless, constant shouting.

Hör auf, hier so rumzubrüllen, wir sind nicht im Wald!

Another very common context is parenting. In German playgrounds, you might hear a parent say to a crying toddler, 'Du musst doch nicht so brüllen,' implying that the child's loud, deep crying is excessive for the situation. It is also found in the idiom 'vor Lachen brüllen', which you will hear in comedy clubs or when friends are sharing hilarious stories. If a joke is particularly good, Germans might call it a 'Brüller'—literally 'a roarer', meaning a hilarious joke.

Das war ein absoluter Witz-Brüller, alle Gäste am Tisch haben gelacht.

In literature, specifically in the 'Sturm und Drang' period or in modern thrillers, 'brüllen' is used to convey raw, unadulterated nature. The wind roars, the sea roars, and the characters roar in existential angst. If you read German news reports about demonstrations, you will see phrases like 'Die Demonstranten brüllten Parolen' (The protesters roared slogans), highlighting the collective power of their voices.

Music Context: In the Heavy Metal scene, 'brüllen' is often used to describe the vocal style (growling/screaming), though 'shouten' is also a common loanword there.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using brüllen when they actually mean schreien or rufen. While all three involve raising the voice, the intensity and pitch differ significantly. 'Rufen' is simply calling out to someone (e.g., 'Ich rufe meinen Freund'). 'Schreien' is a general term for screaming or shouting, often high-pitched. 'Brüllen' is specifically the deep, loud roar. Using 'brüllen' for a simple call across the street sounds exaggerated and slightly comical.

Confusion with 'Heulen': When a child is crying loudly, learners often hesitate between 'weinen' (to cry), 'heulen' (to howl/cry hard), and 'brüllen'. Use 'brüllen' only if the child is making a loud, roaring sound. If they are just sobbing, 'weinen' is correct.
Preposition Errors: Learners often try to say 'brüllen zu jemandem'. In German, you 'brüllen jemanden AN' (accusative). The preposition 'zu' is rarely used with this verb.

Falsch: Er brüllte zu mir.
Richtig: Er brüllte mich an.

Another nuance involves the difference between 'brüllen' and 'grölen'. 'Grölen' is specifically used for the loud, unpleasant, often drunken singing or shouting of a group. If you see a group of drunk people in the street, they are likely 'grölen', not 'brüllen'. 'Brüllen' implies a more focused or natural power, whereas 'grölen' implies a lack of control and musicality.

Die Fans grölen betrunken in der U-Bahn. (Not 'brüllen' if it's messy and tuneless).

Finally, watch out for the conjugation in the past tense. Because it sounds similar to 'brühen' (to scald/brew), some learners get confused. 'Er brüllte' (he roared) vs 'Er brühte' (he brewed tea). The double 'l' in 'brüllen' is key to its pronunciation and meaning. Ensure the 'ü' is short because of the double consonant following it.

German is a language rich in verbs for vocalization. To expand your vocabulary beyond brüllen, it is helpful to compare it with its 'siblings'. Each word carries a slightly different weight and color, allowing for much more precise expression in both speech and writing.

Schreien vs. Brüllen: 'Schreien' is the generic term for shouting. It can be high-pitched (a scream of fear) or just loud. 'Brüllen' is always deep and powerful. You 'schrei' for help; you 'brüll' in anger.
Johlen: This describes loud, joyful, and often high-pitched shouting, common at celebrations or when someone wins a prize. It is more 'woo-hoo!' than 'roar!'.
Bölken: A more colloquial, north-German term for shouting loudly and perhaps a bit stupidly. It is often used for cattle but applied to people jokingly.

Der Löwe brüllt, das Kind schreit, und die Menge johlt.

If you want to describe a deep, vibrating sound that isn't necessarily a shout, you might use dröhnen. This is used for bass-heavy music, thunder, or heavy machinery. While 'brüllen' comes from a throat, 'dröhnen' comes from a physical vibration. Another alternative is donnern (to thunder), used for very loud, authoritative voices: 'Die Stimme des Vaters donnerte durch das Haus'.

Statt ihn anzubrüllen, hättest du auch ruhig mit ihm reden können.

Gebrüll (Noun): The collective noun for the act of roaring. 'Das Gebrüll der Löwen' or 'Das Gebrüll der Motoren'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is onomatopoeic in origin, meaning its sound mimics the actual deep roar it describes. The 'br-' and 'll' sounds create a vibrating effect in the throat.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbʁʏlən/

US /ˈbʁʏlən/

The stress is on the first syllable: BRÜL-len.

Rhymes With

füllen hüllen müllen tüllen knüllen entschüllen erfüllen umhüllen

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ü' as 'u' (making it sound like 'brullen').
Making the 'ü' too long (like 'brühlen').
Not rolling the German 'r' or making it too much like an English 'r'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'brühen' (to brew).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially with animal or emotional keywords.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of separable prefixes like 'anbrüllen' and prepositions like 'vor'.

Speaking 4/5

The 'ü' sound and the intensity of the word require practice to sound natural.

Listening 2/5

Very distinctive sound and volume makes it easy to identify when heard.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

laut schreien rufen Löwe Wut

Learn Next

flüstern murmeln johlen grölen heiser

Advanced

markerschütternd tosen schallen widerhallen donnern

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs

Ich brülle dich AN. (The prefix 'an' moves to the end).

Preposition 'vor' with Emotions

Vor Freude/Wut/Schmerz brüllen. (Causes a dative-like state of emotion).

Weak Verb Conjugation

Ich brüllte, du brülltest... (Regular past tense with -te).

Nominalization

Das Brüllen (The roaring). Verbs can become nouns by adding an article and capitalizing.

Infinitive with 'hören'

Ich höre ihn brüllen. (No 'zu' is used with sensory verbs).

Examples by Level

Der Löwe brüllt laut.

The lion roars loudly.

Simple present tense.

Das Baby brüllt.

The baby is roaring/crying loudly.

Intransitive use.

Warum brüllst du?

Why are you shouting/roaring?

Question form.

Ich brülle nicht.

I am not roaring.

Negative sentence.

Der Bär brüllt im Wald.

The bear roars in the forest.

Subject-Verb-Location.

Hörst du den Löwen brüllen?

Do you hear the lion roaring?

Infinitive with 'hören'.

Die Kinder brüllen beim Spielen.

The children roar while playing.

Present tense plural.

Ein Tiger kann laut brüllen.

A tiger can roar loudly.

Modal verb 'können'.

Er hat vor Wut gebrüllt.

He roared with rage.

Perfect tense with 'vor' + noun.

Wir haben vor Lachen gebrüllt.

We roared with laughter.

Idiomatic expression.

Der Trainer brüllte über den Platz.

The coach roared across the field.

Past tense (Präteritum).

Brüll bitte nicht so laut!

Please don't roar so loudly!

Imperative form.

Das Auto brüllte beim Starten.

The car roared when starting.

Metaphorical use for engines.

Sie brüllte, als sie die Maus sah.

She roared/screamed when she saw the mouse.

Temporal clause with 'als'.

Der Wind brüllte in der Nacht.

The wind roared in the night.

Personification of nature.

Warum hat er so gebrüllt?

Why did he roar like that?

Perfect tense question.

Der Chef hat mich heute ohne Grund angebrüllt.

The boss shouted at me today for no reason.

Separable verb 'anbrüllen'.

Die Menge brüllte vor Begeisterung, als das Tor fiel.

The crowd roared with excitement when the goal was scored.

Noun 'Begeisterung' with 'vor'.

Es ist unhöflich, andere Leute so anzubrüllen.

It is impolite to shout at other people like that.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Der verletzte Hund brüllte fast wie ein Wolf.

The injured dog roared almost like a wolf.

Comparison using 'wie'.

Man konnte das Brüllen der Motoren schon von weitem hören.

One could hear the roaring of the engines from afar.

Nominalized verb 'das Brüllen'.

Wenn er Schmerzen hat, fängt er an zu brüllen.

When he is in pain, he starts to roar/bellow.

Subordinate clause with 'wenn'.

Brüll nicht so rum, sondern sprich normal mit mir!

Don't shout around like that, speak normally with me!

Separable verb 'rumbrüllen'.

Die See brüllte gegen die Klippen.

The sea roared against the cliffs.

Literary personification.

Er brüllte seine Befehle mit einer solchen Gewalt, dass alle erschraken.

He roared his commands with such force that everyone was startled.

Consecutive clause with 'dass'.

Anstatt zu diskutieren, brüllte er nur wütende Parolen.

Instead of discussing, he only roared angry slogans.

Infinitve with 'anstatt zu'.

Das Gebrüll in der Kneipe war kaum zu ertragen.

The roaring/noise in the pub was hardly bearable.

Noun 'Gebrüll' used as a subject.

Sie brüllte vor Entsetzen, als sie den Unfall sah.

She roared with horror when she saw the accident.

Specific emotion 'Entsetzen'.

Der Hirsch brüllte in der herbstlichen Dämmerung.

The stag bellowed in the autumnal twilight.

Specific animal term (bellowing).

Es bringt nichts, sich gegenseitig anzubrüllen.

There is no point in shouting at each other.

Reflexive use of 'anbrüllen'.

Die Maschinen brüllten den ganzen Tag in der Fabrikhalle.

The machines roared all day in the factory hall.

Metaphorical use for machinery.

Er hat das ganze Haus zusammengebrüllt.

He woke/disturbed the whole house with his roaring.

Idiomatic 'zusammenbrüllen'.

Die Kritik an seinem Werk ließ ihn vor Empörung aufbrüllen.

The criticism of his work made him roar out in indignation.

Prefix 'auf-' for suddenness.

Das Brüllen des Sturms übertönte jegliche menschliche Stimme.

The roaring of the storm drowned out any human voice.

Genitive construction.

In der Ferne vernahm man das dumpfe Brüllen eines Vulkans.

In the distance, one heard the dull roaring of a volcano.

Elevated vocabulary 'vernehmen'.

Er brüllte seinen Schmerz in die Nacht hinaus.

He roared his pain out into the night.

Separable verb 'hinausbrüllen'.

Das Kind brüllte sich die Seele aus dem Leib.

The child roared its heart out (cried extremely hard).

Idiomatic expression.

Die Menge antwortete mit einem ohrenbetäubenden Brüllen.

The crowd responded with a deafening roar.

Adjective 'ohrenbetäubend'.

Niemand wagte es, den brüllenden General zu unterbrechen.

No one dared to interrupt the roaring general.

Participle used as an adjective.

Seine Stimme brüllte förmlich vor Autorität.

His voice practically roared with authority.

Adverb 'förmlich' for emphasis.

Das archaische Brüllen des Protagonisten symbolisiert seinen Realitätsverlust.

The protagonist's archaic roar symbolizes his loss of reality.

Literary analysis context.

Die Brandung brüllte eine unaufhörliche Melodie des Zorns.

The surf roared an incessant melody of wrath.

High-level metaphorical writing.

Inmitten des urbanen Gebrülls suchte er nach einem Moment der Stille.

Amidst the urban roar, he searched for a moment of silence.

Abstract use of 'Gebrüll'.

Das Triebwerk brüllte beim Durchbrechen der Schallmauer.

The engine roared while breaking the sound barrier.

Technical/Scientific context.

Ein gellendes Aufbrüllen riss ihn aus seinen tiefsten Gedanken.

A shrill roar tore him from his deepest thoughts.

Complex sentence structure.

Die Geschichte brüllte nach Gerechtigkeit, doch niemand hörte zu.

History roared for justice, but no one listened.

Personification of history.

Mit einem markerschütternden Brüllen stürzte sich der Krieger in die Schlacht.

With a marrow-shaking roar, the warrior plunged into battle.

Compound adjective 'markerschütternd'.

Das Schweigen war so laut, dass es fast in seinen Ohren brüllte.

The silence was so loud that it almost roared in his ears.

Paradoxical literary use.

Common Collocations

Löwe brüllt

vor Schmerz brüllen

vor Wut brüllen

vor Lachen brüllen

jemanden anbrüllen

Befehle brüllen

Motor brüllt

Stadion brüllt

Parolen brüllen

wie am Spieß brüllen

Common Phrases

Hör auf zu brüllen!

— A command to stop shouting or being so loud.

Hör auf zu brüllen, das Baby schläft!

Ein Brüller sein

— To be a very funny joke or situation.

Der Witz war ein echter Brüller.

Das Haus zusammenbrüllen

— To shout so loudly that the whole house can hear it.

Das Baby hat das ganze Haus zusammengebrüllt.

Vor Entsetzen brüllen

— To roar or scream out of pure horror.

Sie brüllte vor Entsetzen bei dem Anblick.

Etwas in die Welt hinausbrüllen

— To announce something very loudly or publicly.

Ich möchte mein Glück in die Welt hinausbrüllen.

Sich die Seele aus dem Leib brüllen

— To roar or cry with extreme intensity and effort.

Das Kind brüllte sich die Seele aus dem Leib.

Gegen den Wind brüllen

— To shout against the wind (often futile).

Er brüllte gegen den Wind, aber niemand hörte ihn.

Wütend rumbrüllen

— To shout around aimlessly in a state of anger.

Er ist den ganzen Tag nur wütend rumgebrüllt.

Laut aufbrüllen

— To let out a sudden, loud roar.

Plötzlich brüllte er laut auf.

In ein Kissen brüllen

— To roar into a pillow to muffle the sound (often out of frustration).

Manchmal möchte ich einfach nur in ein Kissen brüllen.

Often Confused With

brüllen vs schreien

Schreien is general shouting; brüllen is deep, like a lion.

brüllen vs bellen

Bellen is for dogs (bark); brüllen is for lions (roar).

brüllen vs brühen

Brühen means to brew or scald; it sounds similar but is spelled differently.

Idioms & Expressions

"Brüllen wie ein Löwe"

— To roar like a lion; to be very loud and powerful.

Er kann brüllen wie ein Löwe, wenn er will.

informal

"Vor Lachen brüllen"

— To laugh extremely loudly.

Wir haben über die Geschichte vor Lachen gebrüllt.

neutral

"Das ist ein Brüller!"

— That is a hilarious joke!

Hast du den neuen Witz gehört? Das ist ein Brüller!

informal

"Das Haus zusammenbrüllen"

— To make an enormous noise shouting.

Wenn er Hunger hat, brüllt er das ganze Haus zusammen.

colloquial

"Wie am Spieß brüllen"

— To scream at the top of one's lungs (literally: like on a spit).

Das Kind brüllte wie am Spieß, als es hinfiel.

informal

"Sich die Lunge aus dem Hals brüllen"

— To shout until your lungs hurt.

Er hat sich die Lunge aus dem Hals gebrüllt, aber keiner kam.

colloquial

"Ein brüllender Erfolg"

— A roaring success (less common than in English, but used).

Die Premiere war ein brüllender Erfolg.

literary

"Gegen eine Wand brüllen"

— To shout at someone who isn't listening (metaphorical).

Ich rede mit ihm, aber es ist, als würde ich gegen eine Wand brüllen.

informal

"Brüllender Hunger"

— Extremely strong hunger (ravenous).

Ich habe einen brüllenden Hunger nach der Arbeit.

informal

"In den Schlaf brüllen"

— To cry oneself to sleep very loudly (usually babies).

Das Baby hat sich schließlich in den Schlaf gebrüllt.

informal

Easily Confused

brüllen vs heulen

Both involve loud crying.

Heulen is more like howling or sobbing loudly; brüllen is specifically roaring and often more aggressive.

Das Kind heult (sad), das Kind brüllt (angry/loud).

brüllen vs rufen

Both involve the voice.

Rufen is to call someone's name; brüllen is to roar without necessarily calling a name.

Ich rufe dich (calling you), ich brülle (making noise).

brüllen vs grölen

Both are loud.

Grölen is messy, drunken shouting/singing; brüllen is a powerful, natural roar.

Fans grölen Lieder, ein Löwe brüllt.

brüllen vs kreischen

Both are loud.

Kreischen is very high-pitched (shriek/screech); brüllen is very low-pitched.

Die Bremsen kreischen, der Löwe brüllt.

brüllen vs tosen

Used for nature.

Tosen is the sound of rushing water or wind; brüllen is more focused and vocal.

Der Wasserfall tost, der Wind brüllt.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] brüllt.

Der Löwe brüllt.

[Subject] hat gebrüllt.

Das Kind hat gebrüllt.

[Subject] brüllt vor [Emotion].

Er brüllt vor Wut.

[Subject] brüllt [Object] an.

Sie brüllt ihn an.

Das [Noun] der [Genitive Noun] brüllt.

Das Brüllen der Motoren nervt.

Mit einem [Adjective] Brüllen [Verb] [Subject].

Mit einem lauten Brüllen rannte er los.

[Subject] brüllte sich [Reflexive] [Phrase].

Das Kind brüllte sich die Seele aus dem Leib.

[Subject] brüllte förmlich vor [Abstract Noun].

Seine Rede brüllte förmlich vor Leidenschaft.

Word Family

Nouns

das Gebrüll

der Brüller

das Aufbrüllen

das Anbrüllen

Verbs

anbrüllen

aufbrüllen

herumbrüllen

nachbrüllen

zusammenbrüllen

Adjectives

brüllend

gebrüllt

schreien

rufen

Löwe

Stimme

Lautstärke

How to Use It

frequency

Common in spoken German and descriptive literature; less common in formal academic writing unless technical.

Common Mistakes

Er brüllt zu mir. → Er brüllt mich an.
The verb 'anbrüllen' is used to indicate the target of the shouting, and it takes the accusative case, not the preposition 'zu'.
Der Hund brüllt. → Der Hund bellt.
While 'brüllen' is for lions and large animals, dogs 'bellen' (bark). Using 'brüllen' for a dog sounds like it's a giant monster dog.
Ich brülle meine Suppe. → Ich brühe meine Suppe.
Confusion between 'brüllen' (roar) and 'brühen' (scald/infuse). One 'l' vs two 'l's and different meanings.
Er hat geschrien vor Lachen. → Er hat gebrüllt vor Lachen.
While 'geschrien' is okay, 'gebrüllt' is the specific idiom used for roaring with laughter. It sounds more natural.
Das Wecker brüllt. → Der Wecker schrillt.
Alarms and electronic sounds are usually 'schrillen' (shrill) or 'klingeln' (ring), not 'brüllen'.

Tips

Think of the Lion

Whenever you see 'brüllen', think of the king of the jungle. It helps you remember the depth and power of the sound compared to 'schreien'.

Separable Prefix

Remember that 'anbrüllen' is separable. 'Er brüllt mich an.' The 'an' travels to the very end of the sentence.

Laughter Context

Use 'vor Lachen brüllen' to sound more native when describing a hilarious movie or joke. It shows you know the idiomatic side of German.

The Short Ü

The double 'll' in 'brüllen' is a signal. It tells you the 'ü' sound is short and crisp, not long like in 'müde'.

Vivid Descriptions

Use 'brüllend' as an adjective for weather or machinery to make your writing more dramatic and engaging.

Stadium Talk

If you go to a German football match, look for the word 'Gebrüll' in the news reports the next day to see it in action.

Tone Recognition

In audio, 'brüllen' will usually be accompanied by a change in volume or a deeper voice from the speaker.

Brüllen vs. Rufen

Don't say 'Ich brülle meinen Freund' if you are just calling him. That would mean you are roaring at him like a beast! Use 'rufen'.

Bellowing Bull

Associate 'Brüllen' with 'Bellow' and 'Bull'. All start with 'B' and represent the same deep sound.

Prefix Variety

Learn 'aufbrüllen' for a sudden roar. It adds a level of 'suddenness' that the base verb doesn't have.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Bull' (Bulle) who 'brülls'. Both start with 'B' and involve a loud, deep sound.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant golden lion with its mouth wide open, and the word 'BRÜLLEN' coming out in big, bold, vibrating letters.

Word Web

Löwe Wut Laut Schmerz Lachen Stadion Motor Schreien

Challenge

Try to use 'brüllen' in three different ways today: once for an animal, once for an emotion, and once for a joke.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle High German 'brüllen' and Old High German 'brullan'. It is related to the Dutch 'brullen' and the English 'bellow'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was always related to making a loud, resonant sound, specifically associated with cattle and large animals.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'anbrüllen' (shouting at someone), as it implies a very aggressive and often disrespectful behavior in German culture.

English speakers often use 'shout' or 'scream' for everything. Learning 'brüllen' allows you to capture the specific 'bellowing' quality that is common in German descriptions.

The MGM Lion roar (Das Brüllen des MGM-Löwen). The 'Brüllender Hirsch' (Roaring Stag) - a classic cliché of German kitsch paintings. The 'Roaring Twenties' are translated as 'Die Goldenen Zwanziger', but 'brüllend' is used for the sheer volume of the era's change.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Zoo

Der Löwe brüllt.
Fütterungszeit Gebrüll.
Hörst du das?
Ganz schön laut.

Sports Stadium

Die Fans brüllen.
Tooooor-Brüller.
Sprechchöre brüllen.
Die Menge tobt.

Angry Argument

Brüll mich nicht an!
Warum brüllst du?
Hör auf zu schreien.
Ganz ruhig.

Funny Moment

Vor Lachen brüllen.
Ein echter Brüller.
Ich kann nicht mehr.
So lustig.

Nature/Weather

Der Sturm brüllt.
Die Brandung brüllt.
Das Wetter ist wild.
Gewitterdonner.

Conversation Starters

"Hast du schon mal einen Löwen in echt brüllen hören?"

"Warum brüllen Fußballfans eigentlich so laut im Stadion?"

"Was war der letzte Witz, bei dem du vor Lachen gebrüllt hast?"

"Findest du es schlimm, wenn Eltern ihre Kinder in der Öffentlichkeit anbrüllen?"

"Kann ein Motor deiner Meinung nach 'schön' brüllen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du vor Lachen gebrüllt hast. Wer war dabei und was war so lustig?

Wie reagierst du, wenn dich jemand grundlos anbrüllt? Bleibst du ruhig oder brüllst du zurück?

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Löwe in der Savanne. Warum brüllst du heute?

Ist 'brüllen' in deiner Kultur in der Öffentlichkeit akzeptiert? Warum oder warum gut?

Beschreibe das 'Brüllen' einer Großstadt wie Berlin oder New York. Welche Geräusche hörst du?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would be 'laut sprechen'. 'Brüllen' implies a maximum volume and deep tone, usually associated with intense emotion or physical power.

'Anbrüllen' is a separable verb that requires an object (shouting at someone). 'Schreien' is a general action. You can 'schreien' without a target, but 'anbrüllen' always has a target.

Yes, it is a weak/regular verb. The forms are brüllen, brüllte, hat gebrüllt. This makes it easier to conjugate than 'schreien' (schrie, geschrien).

Yes! 'Vor Lachen brüllen' is a very common and positive way to say someone is laughing very hard. Also, 'ein Brüller' is a great joke.

The word itself isn't rude, but describing someone's behavior as 'brüllen' can be seen as a criticism, implying they are losing control or being too loud.

In German, cattle (stags, bulls) are also said to 'brüllen' (bellow). Tigers and bears can also 'brüllen'.

The best way is 'jemanden anbrüllen'. For example: 'Er hat mich angebrüllt.' (He shouted at me).

Yes, 'das Gebrüll' is the noun for the sound or the act of roaring. 'Der Brüller' is also a noun used for a joke.

Yes, 'der Motor brüllt' is a common metaphorical use for a powerful engine sound.

The acoustic opposite is 'flüstern' (to whisper) or 'schweigen' (to be silent).