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B1 adjective #9,500 most common 10 min read

grollend

Top 9,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips grollend in 30 Seconds

Explanation grollend in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'grollend' yourself, but you might hear it in very simple stories about weather. Think of it as a 'scary' sound that the sky makes. It is like 'grrr' in a comic book. You can associate it with a 'böse' (bad/angry) mood. If you see a picture of a dark cloud and someone says 'grollend', they are talking about the sound of the thunder. It is a big, deep sound. Don't worry about the grammar yet; just remember: grollend = deep angry sound.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand 'grollend' as a way to describe how someone speaks when they are not happy. If your teacher says, 'Er sprach grollend,' it means he spoke with a low, unhappy voice. You know words like 'traurig' (sad) and 'wütend' (angry). 'Grollend' is between them—it is a 'heavy' unhappy feeling. You might see it in simple weather reports: 'Ein grollendes Gewitter.' Use it to describe things that make a low vibration sound, like a big truck or a storm.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'grollend' to add detail to your descriptions. Instead of just saying 'Er war sauer' (He was mad), you can say 'Er blickte mich grollend an.' This shows you understand that anger can be quiet and lingering. You should recognize that 'grollend' comes from the verb 'grollen' (to rumble). You can use it as an adjective (ein grollender Donner) or an adverb (er antwortete grollend). It is a great word for describing a 'mood' in a story or a conversation.

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the metaphorical uses of 'grollend'. It is often used in news articles to describe social or political tension. For example, 'die grollende Unzufriedenheit der Bürger' (the rumbling dissatisfaction of the citizens). Here, it doesn't mean a literal sound, but a feeling of anger that is growing in society. You should be able to distinguish 'grollend' from 'nachtragend' (holding a grudge) and 'mürrisch' (grumpy). You can use it to describe an 'Unterton' (undertone) in someone's speech.

At the C1 level, 'grollend' becomes a tool for precise stylistic expression. You might use it in an essay to describe the atmosphere of a scene or the psychological state of a character. You understand its etymological roots and how it conveys a sense of impending doom or unresolved conflict. You can use it in complex structures, such as 'Trotz seiner grollenden Miene stimmte er dem Plan schließlich zu' (Despite his resentful expression, he finally agreed to the plan). You recognize its use in high-level literature and philosophy.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the nuances of 'grollend'. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, like 'das grollende Echo der Geschichte' (the rumbling echo of history). You understand the phonosemantic quality of the word—how the double 'l' and the short 'o' physically mimic the sound of a rumble. You can use it to critique subtle emotional shifts in a text or to provide a highly descriptive narrative. It is no longer just a word for anger, but a specific vibration of the human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

grollend in 30 Seconds

Grollend describes deep, rumbling sounds like thunder or a growling stomach.
It also describes a person who is resentful and holding onto a grudge.
Grammatically, it is a Partizip I (present participle) used as an adjective or adverb.
It implies a sense of weight, duration, and suppressed intensity.

The German adjective grollend is a fascinating linguistic artifact that bridges the gap between the physical world of sound and the internal world of human emotion. At its core, it is the present participle of the verb grollen, which historically refers to a low, heavy, continuous sound—most notably the rumbling of thunder. When applied to a person or their behavior, it describes a state of suppressed anger, a lingering resentment that hasn't quite erupted into a full-blown scream but is simmering just below the surface. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the 'rumble' of the human soul. It is not just being 'angry' (wütend); it is being 'resentfully angry' in a way that feels heavy and persistent.

Acoustic Origin: Originally, 'grollend' described the sound of a distant storm or a landslide. It implies a vibration that you feel in your chest as much as you hear with your ears.

Das grollende Gewitter kam immer näher, und die Luft wurde schwer.

Translation: The rumbling thunderstorm came closer and closer, and the air became heavy.

In a social context, if someone looks at you in a grollend manner, they are holding onto a past grievance. It is the look of someone who has not forgiven an old slight. This word is frequently used in literature to describe villains or misunderstood characters who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. It suggests a certain maturity of anger—it's not the impulsive tantrum of a child, but the calculated, long-lasting bitterness of an adult. It is often paired with words like Schweigen (silence) or Blick (glance), indicating that the resentment is being communicated non-verbally.

Emotional Nuance: Unlike 'zornig' (wrathful), which is explosive, 'grollend' is internal. It is the 'grudge' made manifest in one's demeanor.

Mit einer grollenden Stimme antwortete er auf die Entschuldigung seines Bruders.

Translation: With a resentful voice, he replied to his brother's apology.

You will encounter this word in news reports regarding political tensions ('grollende Unzufriedenheit'—rumbling dissatisfaction) or in psychological texts discussing repressed emotions. It is a B1-level word because it moves beyond basic emotions into the realm of descriptive nuance. To use it correctly, you must decide if the 'rumble' is physical (like a stomach or thunder) or emotional (like a bitter neighbor). In both cases, the common thread is a deep, low-frequency vibration of energy that signals trouble or discomfort.

Metaphorical Depth: In German philosophy, the 'Groll' (the noun form) is often seen as a poison to the soul. Being 'grollend' suggests that the person is currently being consumed by this internal poison.

Using grollend correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a Partizip I (Present Participle) used as an adjective or adverb. In German, participles are incredibly versatile. When used as an adjective before a noun, it must take the appropriate ending based on gender, case, and number. For example, 'ein grollender Donner' (a rumbling thunder - Nominative Masculine) or 'mit grollender Miene' (with a resentful expression - Dative Feminine). The word adds a layer of atmospheric tension to any sentence it inhabits.

Nach dem Streit saß er grollend in der Ecke und sprach kein Wort.

Translation: After the argument, he sat resentfully in the corner and didn't speak a word.

As an adverb, 'grollend' describes how an action is performed. If someone speaks 'grollend', their voice likely has a low, menacing quality. If a machine is 'grollend', it might be about to break down. This dual usage—describing both people and inanimate objects—is a key feature of the word. Beginners often stick to 'sauer' (sour/mad) or 'wütend' (angry), but 'grollend' provides the specific imagery of a sound or a feeling that is vibrating and heavy. It is particularly effective in creative writing to set a dark or moody tone.

Adverbial Usage: When used as an adverb, it does not change its ending. 'Er antwortete grollend.' (He answered resentfully.)

Die grollenden Wellen schlugen gegen die Klippen.

Translation: The rumbling waves crashed against the cliffs.

In formal German, you might see 'grollend' used to describe political or social movements. 'Eine grollende Menge' (a rumbling crowd) suggests a group of people who are deeply unhappy and might soon revolt. It captures the 'vibe' of the situation rather than just a simple emotion. When constructing sentences, remember that 'grollend' usually precedes the noun it modifies or follows the verb to describe the manner of action. It is rarely used as a simple predicate adjective like 'Ich bin grollend' (I am resentful); instead, one would say 'Ich hege einen Groll' (I harbor a grudge) or use 'nachtragend' (resentful/grudging).

Common Pairings: Often paired with: Donner (thunder), Stimme (voice), Unterton (undertone), Schweigen (silence).

While 'grollend' might seem like a word reserved for 19th-century novels, it is surprisingly present in modern German life. You will hear it most frequently in weather forecasts on the radio or television. Meteorologists use it to describe the specific sound of 'Wetterleuchten' (heat lightning) or approaching storms. In this context, it is a technical but descriptive term. If you are hiking in the Alps and hear a 'grollendes Geräusch' from above, it's time to move—it could be an avalanche or rockfall. The word carries an inherent sense of warning.

'Hörst du das grollende Donnern in der Ferne?' fragte die Wanderführerin.

Translation: 'Do you hear the rumbling thunder in the distance?' the mountain guide asked.

In the world of German journalism, especially in the 'Feuilleton' (cultural section) or political commentary, 'grollend' is used to describe the mood of the electorate. If a segment of the population feels ignored by the government, they are often described as 'die grollende Basis' (the rumbling base). This implies that their anger is not a sudden flash in the pan but a deep, structural resentment that has been building over time. It is a very effective word for describing the 'undercurrent' of a society. You might also hear it in sports commentary when a coach is unhappy with a referee's decision but is trying to remain professional—his 'grollende Kommentare' (resentful comments) tell the real story.

Literary Usage: In classic literature (Goethe, Schiller), 'grollend' is often used to describe the gods or fate itself, suggesting a cosmic dissatisfaction with human affairs.

Der alte König blickte grollend auf seine rebellischen Untertanen herab.

Translation: The old king looked down resentfully at his rebellious subjects.

Finally, in everyday conversation, you might use it to describe a family member who is 'pouting' but with more intensity. If your grandfather is upset about a change in family tradition, he might sit at the dinner table 'grollend'. It suggests a silence that is loud with unspoken complaints. It is less common in 'Kiezdeutsch' (slang) but is a staple of 'Bildungssprache' (educated language). If you use it correctly in a B1 or B2 speaking exam, it shows a sophisticated grasp of German emotional vocabulary.

The most common mistake learners make with grollend is confusing it with simple 'anger' (Wut). While all 'grollende' people are angry, not all angry people are 'grollend'. If someone is screaming at the top of their lungs, they are 'wütend' or 'zornig'. 'Grollend' is much quieter and more rhythmic. It is a 'rumble', not a 'shriek'. Using 'grollend' to describe a sudden, explosive outburst is semantically incorrect. It requires duration and a low-frequency intensity.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Grollen' (the verb): Learners sometimes use the verb 'grollen' when they mean the adjective. Remember: 'Der Donner grollt' (verb) vs. 'Das grollende Donnern' (adjective).

Incorrect: Er ist sehr grollend heute.
Correct: Er blickt mich grollend an.

Explanation: In German, we rarely use 'grollend' as a predicative adjective with 'sein'. It's better as an adverb or attributive adjective.

Another mistake is applying it to high-pitched sounds. A 'grollendes Pfeifen' (rumbling whistling) is a contradiction in terms. 'Grollen' and its derivatives are strictly for deep, bass-heavy sounds. Similarly, don't confuse it with 'grummelig' (grumpy). While related, 'grummelig' is more about being annoyed in a petty way (like having no coffee), whereas 'grollend' implies a deeper, perhaps more justified or historical resentment. 'Grollend' is serious; 'grummelig' is often just a mood.

False Friend Alert: Do not confuse 'grollend' with the English word 'rolling', though they might sound similar in some contexts. They are not related.

Finally, watch out for the spelling. Because it comes from 'grollen', it has a double 'l'. Some learners accidentally write 'grolend' with one 'l', which would change the pronunciation and is not a word. The short 'o' sound before the double consonant is crucial for the phonetics of the word—it creates that 'heavy' sound that mirrors the meaning of the word itself. Practice saying it with a deep voice to remember its association with low frequencies.

German is a language rich in synonyms for negative emotions, and knowing when to use grollend versus its alternatives will greatly improve your fluency. The most direct synonym for the emotional aspect is nachtragend (resentful/grudging). However, 'nachtragend' is a character trait (someone who holds grudges), while 'grollend' is a current state or a manner of acting. You can be 'grollend' for five minutes, but you are 'nachtragend' for years.

Grollend vs. Nachtragend: 'Grollend' describes the *sound* or *look* of the anger. 'Nachtragend' describes the *habit* of not forgiving.

Er ist sehr nachtragend und wird dir den Fehler nie verzeihen.

Translation: He is very resentful and will never forgive you for the mistake.

Another alternative is dumpf (dull/muffled). This is often used for sounds. A 'dumpfes Grollen' is a very common collocation. While 'grollend' is the action, 'dumpf' describes the quality of the sound. If you want to describe someone who is sullen or moody, you could use mürrisch or verdrossen. 'Mürrisch' is more like 'cranky', while 'verdrossen' implies a certain weariness or annoyance with the world. 'Grollend' remains unique because of its auditory heritage—it always implies that 'low rumble'.

Grollend vs. Erbittert: 'Erbittert' (embittered) is much stronger. It implies a fight or a struggle that has left deep scars. 'Grollend' is the stage before embitterment.

For the physical sound, you might use donnernd (thundering) or tösend (roaring). 'Donnernd' is much louder and more sudden than 'grollend'. If a bridge collapses, it is 'donnernd'. If a storm is still miles away, it is 'grollend'. Choosing the right word depends on the 'volume' and 'frequency' of the situation you are describing. In literature, authors often use 'grollend' to build suspense, as it suggests that something louder and more dangerous is coming soon.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die grollende Unzufriedenheit innerhalb der Belegschaft war unübersehbar."

Neutral

"Ein grollendes Gewitter zieht über die Stadt."

Informal

"Mein Magen ist heute echt grollend."

Child friendly

"Der große Bär brummt grollend in seiner Höhle."

Slang

"Chill mal, sei nicht so grollend unterwegs."

Fun Fact

The word is onomatopoeic—the 'gr' sound mimics the actual sound of a low rumble or growl found in nature.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɡʁɔlənt/

US /ˈɡʁɔlənt/

Stress is on the first syllable: GROLL-end.

Rhymes With

rollend tollend wollend sollend schmollend quollend grollt gold

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like 'grow' (it should be short).
Using an American 'r' instead of the German uvular 'r'.
Forgetting the 'd' at the end (though it often sounds like a 't').
Making the 'll' sound too long.
Swapping the 'o' for an 'u' sound (grullend).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, easy to recognize once you know 'grollen'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and understanding of nuance.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of 'gr' and 'll' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

wütend Donner Stimme Geräusch sauer

Learn Next

nachtragend erbittert verdrossen mürrisch Groll

Advanced

Ressentiment Animosität Griesgrämigkeit Partizipialattribute

Grammar to Know

Partizip I as Adjective

Das grollende (Infinitive + d) Kind.

Adjective Endings

Mit grollender (feminine dative) Stimme.

Adverbial Usage

Er spricht grollend (no ending).

Nominalization

Das Grollen (the rumbling).

Word Order with Participles

Der grollend in der Ecke sitzende Mann.

Examples by Level

Der Donner ist grollend.

The thunder is rumbling.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

Ein grollendes Geräusch.

A rumbling noise.

Attributive adjective with -es ending (neuter).

Die Katze macht ein grollendes Geräusch.

The cat makes a rumbling (growling) noise.

Describing a sound.

Hörst du das Grollen?

Do you hear the rumbling?

Using the nominalized verb 'das Grollen'.

Der Himmel ist dunkel und grollend.

The sky is dark and rumbling.

Predicative adjectives.

Er ist grollend.

He is resentful (simple).

Using grollend as an adjective.

Grollende Wolken.

Rumbling clouds.

Plural adjective ending.

Es ist grollend laut.

It is rumbling loud.

Adverbial usage.

Er sprach mit einer grollenden Stimme.

He spoke with a rumbling voice.

Dative feminine ending -en.

Das grollende Gewitter macht mir Angst.

The rumbling thunderstorm scares me.

Nominative neuter ending -e with definite article.

Warum schaust du mich so grollend an?

Why are you looking at me so resentfully?

Adverbial use with 'anschauen'.

Ein grollender Bär im Wald.

A growling bear in the forest.

Nominative masculine ending -er.

Ich hörte ein grollendes Lachen.

I heard a rumbling laugh.

Accusative neuter ending -es.

Die grollenden Maschinen in der Fabrik.

The rumbling machines in the factory.

Plural definite article + -en.

Er antwortete grollend auf meine Frage.

He answered my question resentfully.

Adverbial usage.

Ein grollender Magen bedeutet Hunger.

A rumbling stomach means hunger.

Masculine nominative -er.

Trotz der Entschuldigung blieb sein Blick grollend.

Despite the apology, his gaze remained resentful.

Predicative use after 'bleiben'.

Die grollende Unzufriedenheit war deutlich zu spüren.

The rumbling dissatisfaction was clearly palpable.

Metaphorical use for emotions.

Er verließ den Raum mit grollenden Schritten.

He left the room with heavy, resentful steps.

Describing the sound of movement.

Das grollende Echo der Explosion war noch lange zu hören.

The rumbling echo of the explosion could be heard for a long time.

Describing an acoustic phenomenon.

Sie gab eine grollende Antwort von sich.

She uttered a resentful answer.

Accusative feminine ending -e.

Hinter den Bergen braute sich ein grollendes Unwetter zusammen.

A rumbling storm was brewing behind the mountains.

Common weather collocation.

Er saß grollend am Tisch und starrte auf seinen Teller.

He sat resentfully at the table and stared at his plate.

Adverbial use describing a state.

Die grollenden Wellen des Meeres waren beängstigend.

The rumbling waves of the sea were frightening.

Personification of nature.

Seine grollende Haltung verhinderte jede konstruktive Diskussion.

His resentful attitude prevented any constructive discussion.

Subject describing an abstract quality.

Man hörte das grollende Murmeln der Menge vor dem Palast.

One heard the rumbling murmuring of the crowd in front of the palace.

Acoustic description of a social situation.

Das grollende Knurren des Hundes war eine klare Warnung.

The dog's rumbling growl was a clear warning.

Describing animal behavior.

In der Tiefe der Erde vernahm man ein grollendes Beben.

In the depths of the earth, a rumbling tremor was perceived.

Geological description.

Er unterdrückte ein grollendes Lachen, als er die Nachricht hörte.

He suppressed a resentful laugh when he heard the news.

Describing a complex emotion.

Die grollenden Untertöne in seiner Rede waren nicht zu überhören.

The rumbling undertones in his speech were impossible to miss.

Metaphorical use for subtext.

Mit grollendem Magen wartete er auf das verspätete Abendessen.

With a rumbling stomach, he waited for the delayed dinner.

Idiomatic use for hunger.

Das grollende Schicksal schien sich gegen ihn verschworen zu haben.

Rumbling fate seemed to have conspired against him.

Literary personification.

Die grollende Stille nach dem Streit war kaum zu ertragen.

The resentful silence after the argument was almost unbearable.

Oxymoron (rumbling silence).

Es herrschte ein grollendes Misstrauen zwischen den Verhandlungspartnern.

There was a rumbling distrust between the negotiating partners.

Describing a social atmosphere.

Das grollende Orgelspiel erfüllte die gesamte Kathedrale.

The rumbling organ music filled the entire cathedral.

Describing a musical quality.

Er blickte grollend auf die Ruinen seiner einstigen Existenz.

He looked resentfully at the ruins of his former existence.

Deeply emotional/literary context.

Die grollende Brandung zeugte von der Kraft des Ozeans.

The rumbling surf bore witness to the power of the ocean.

Elevated vocabulary (Brandung).

Seine grollenden Einwände wurden von der Mehrheit ignoriert.

His resentful objections were ignored by the majority.

Plural accusative adjective.

Ein grollender Bass vibrierte durch den gesamten Konzertsaal.

A rumbling bass vibrated through the entire concert hall.

Acoustic focus.

Das grollende Erwachen des Vulkans versetzte die Insel in Panik.

The rumbling awakening of the volcano sent the island into a panic.

Dramatic narrative style.

In den grollenden Tiefen seines Unterbewusstseins schlummerten alte Ängste.

In the rumbling depths of his subconscious, old fears slumbered.

Psychological metaphor.

Das grollende Pathos seiner Worte wirkte auf das Publikum eher abschreckend.

The rumbling pathos of his words had a rather deterrent effect on the audience.

Critique of rhetorical style.

Die grollende Unabwendbarkeit des Untergangs war das zentrale Thema des Romans.

The rumbling inevitability of the downfall was the central theme of the novel.

Abstract philosophical concept.

Er vernahm das grollende Mahlen der Zeit, das alles zu Staub werden ließ.

He perceived the rumbling grinding of time, which turned everything to dust.

Highly poetic metaphor.

Die grollende Dissonanz der modernen Musik forderte die Zuhörer heraus.

The rumbling dissonance of modern music challenged the listeners.

Music theory context.

Mit einer grollenden Geste der Ablehnung wandte er sich von der Gesellschaft ab.

With a resentful gesture of rejection, he turned away from society.

Describing a physical action as an expression of internal state.

Das grollende Schweigen der Götter war die schwerste Prüfung für den Helden.

The rumbling silence of the gods was the hardest test for the hero.

Mythological context.

Eine grollende Melancholie legte sich über das herbstliche Land.

A rumbling melancholy settled over the autumnal land.

Atmospheric personification.

Common Collocations

grollender Donner

grollende Stimme

grollender Magen

grollendes Lachen

grollende Unzufriedenheit

grollender Unterton

grollendes Meer

grollender Blick

grollendes Schweigen

grollende Wolken

Common Phrases

einen Groll hegen

— To harbor a grudge against someone for a long time.

Er hegt immer noch einen Groll gegen seinen Chef.

Groll empfinden

— To feel resentment or bitterness.

Sie empfand tiefen Groll über die Ungerechtigkeit.

den Groll herunterschlucken

— To suppress one's resentment or anger.

Er musste seinen Groll herunterschlucken und lächeln.

Groll abbauen

— To let go of resentment or resolve a conflict.

Es ist wichtig, Groll abzubauen, um glücklich zu sein.

voller Groll sein

— To be completely filled with resentment.

Sein Herz war voller Groll.

ohne Groll

— Without any lingering bitterness or resentment.

Sie trennten sich ohne Groll.

den Groll beiseitelegen

— To put aside a grudge.

Wir sollten unseren Groll beiseitelegen und zusammenarbeiten.

Groll schüren

— To stir up or provoke resentment in others.

Seine Kommentare schürten nur noch mehr Groll.

ein grollendes Echo

— A metaphor for consequences of the past that still 'rumble'.

Das war ein grollendes Echo alter Fehler.

grollend abziehen

— To leave a place while being visibly resentful.

Er verlor das Spiel und zog grollend ab.

Often Confused With

grollend vs grummelnd

Grummelnd is more like 'muttering' or 'grumbling' under one's breath. Grollend is deeper and more menacing.

grollend vs grollig

Grollig is an informal adjective for being resentful, whereas grollend is the participle used as an adjective/adverb.

grollend vs rollend

Rollend means 'rolling' (like a ball). Only the sound is similar.

Idioms & Expressions

"Groll im Bauch haben"

— To feel a deep, physical sensation of resentment.

Nach der Niederlage hatte er richtig Groll im Bauch.

informal

"den Groll an jemandem auslassen"

— To take out one's resentment on someone else.

Lass deinen Groll nicht an mir aus!

neutral

"Groll und Galle spucken"

— To speak very bitterly and angrily (lit. to spit resentment and bile).

In seinem Leserbrief spuckte er Groll und Galle.

literary/idiomatic

"ein grollendes Gewitter heraufbeschwören"

— To cause a major conflict or 'storm' of anger.

Mit dieser Aussage hat er ein grollendes Gewitter heraufbeschworen.

figurative

"das Grollen des Schicksals"

— The signs of approaching misfortune.

Er ignorierte das grollende Schicksal.

literary

"den Groll begraben"

— To finally let go of a long-held grudge.

Es ist Zeit, den alten Groll endlich zu begraben.

neutral

"Groll fressen"

— To keep resentment bottled up inside (lit. to eat resentment).

Friss deinen Groll nicht in dich hinein.

informal

"ein grollender Vulkan"

— A person who is about to explode with anger.

Mein Chef ist heute wie ein grollender Vulkan.

metaphorical

"Groll säen"

— To plant the seeds of resentment.

Ungerechtigkeit sät Groll.

formal

"etwas mit Groll tun"

— To do something while feeling resentful about it.

Er erledigte die Arbeit mit Groll.

neutral

Easily Confused

grollend vs grollen

Verb vs. Adjective.

Grollen is the action (to rumble); grollend is the description (rumbling).

Der Donner grollt (verb). Der grollende Donner (adjective).

grollend vs grummeln

Similar sound and meaning.

Grummeln is softer and often used for minor complaints. Grollen is heavier and more serious.

Er grummelt über das Essen. Er blickt mich grollend an.

grollend vs knurren

Both describe low sounds.

Knurren is specifically 'growling' (dogs, stomachs). Grollen is more 'rumbling' (thunder, deep voices).

Der Hund knurrt. Der Donner grollt.

grollend vs donnern

Both are weather sounds.

Donnern is the loud 'boom'. Grollen is the low 'rumble' before or after the boom.

Es donnert laut! Ich höre ein grollendes Geräusch.

grollend vs schmollen

Both describe an unhappy person.

Schmollen is 'pouting' (often childish). Grollend is 'resentful' (often serious/adult).

Das Kind schmollt. Der Mann verließ grollend das Haus.

Sentence Patterns

Der [Noun] ist grollend.

Der Donner ist grollend.

Er/Sie [Verb] grollend.

Sie antwortete grollend.

Ein grollender [Noun]...

Ein grollender Magen ist laut.

Mit [Adjective] grollender [Noun]...

Mit leise grollender Stimme.

Die grollende [Abstract Noun]...

Die grollende Wut im Bauch.

Trotz der/des [Noun] blieb er grollend.

Trotz der Hilfe blieb er grollend.

[Noun], ein grollendes [Noun]...

Das Meer, ein grollendes Ungeheuer.

Inmitten der grollenden [Noun]...

Inmitten der grollenden Massen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-high in written German; medium in spoken German.

Common Mistakes

Using 'grollend' for high-pitched sounds. → Using 'grollend' for deep, bass sounds.
Grollen is inherently low-frequency. A bird cannot chirp 'grollend'.
Writing 'grolend' with one 'l'. → Writing 'grollend' with two 'l's.
The double 'l' is necessary to keep the 'o' sound short and correct.
Using 'grollend' for sudden, short anger. → Using 'grollend' for lingering, deep resentment.
Groll implies duration. A quick 'ouch!' is not grollend.
Confusing 'grollend' with 'rollend'. → Using 'grollend' for rumbling, 'rollend' for moving.
They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Using it as a predicate adjective with 'sein' too often. → Using it as an adverb or attributive adjective.
While possible, 'Er ist grollend' is less natural than 'Er blickt grollend'.

Tips

Adverbial Power

Use 'grollend' as an adverb to instantly add tension to a sentence. 'Er ging grollend' sounds much more dramatic than 'Er ging weg'.

Deep Vowels

Keep the 'o' short and deep. If you make it too long like 'growl', it sounds like English. Think of the 'o' in 'offen'.

Noun Connection

Remember 'der Groll'. If you know the noun, you can use the phrase 'einen Groll hegen', which is very common in German.

Weather First

The easiest way to remember 'grollend' is via the weather. Associate it with thunder, and the emotional meaning (resentment) will follow naturally.

Partizip I

Recognize that the '-d' ending is the German equivalent of '-ing' in English. Grollen + d = Rumbling.

Literary Flair

In your writing, use 'grollend' to describe characters who are 'the strong, silent type' but clearly unhappy.

Vibration

Listen for the vibration in the word. German speakers often emphasize the 'gr' and 'll' to make it sound like what it means.

Not Just Angry

Don't use it for a loud, screaming anger. It's the 'low' anger. If someone is shouting, use 'schreiend'.

Grollend vs. Knurrend

Use 'knurrend' for animals and 'grollend' for nature or humans. A dog 'knurrt', but the sky 'grollt'.

Nachtragend

If you forget 'grollend' for a person, 'nachtragend' is your best backup word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Groll' as a 'Growl' that is 'Rolling' around in your chest. Groll + Rolling = Grollend.

Visual Association

Imagine a dark, heavy storm cloud that looks like a person's angry face. The sound it makes is 'grollend'.

Word Web

Donner Wut Magen Stimme Gewitter Rache Unterton Schweigen

Challenge

Try to use 'grollend' in three different ways today: once for the weather, once for your stomach, and once for a movie character's mood.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German verb 'grollen', which meant to be angry or to make a noise. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic *gruljaną.

Original meaning: To growl, to rumble, or to be loud and angry.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but it is a negative emotion, so use it carefully when describing real people.

The closest English equivalent is 'rumbling' for sound and 'resentful' or 'grudging' for emotion. English often uses 'sullen' for the visual aspect.

Goethe's 'Faust' (descriptions of nature) Wagner's operas (musical themes of grolling) Grimm's Fairy Tales (voices of antagonists)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

grollendes Gewitter
Donnergrollen
grollende Wolken
ein Grollen in der Ferne

Interpersonal Conflict

grollender Blick
grollende Stimme
einen Groll hegen
grollend antworten

Physical Sensations

grollender Magen
ein grollendes Gefühl
innere Unruhe
dumpfes Grollen

Literature/Storytelling

grollendes Schicksal
grollende Götter
ein grollendes Lachen
das grollende Meer

Social/Political Analysis

grollende Unzufriedenheit
die grollende Basis
grollender Protest
ein grollendes Echo

Conversation Starters

"Hast du das grollende Donnern letzte Nacht auch gehört?"

"Warum schaust du mich heute so grollend an? Habe ich etwas falsch gemacht?"

"Spürst du auch diese grollende Unzufriedenheit im Büro?"

"Mein Magen ist so grollend, wollen wir was essen gehen?"

"Findest du, dass manche Menschen zu lange einen Groll hegen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du einen Groll gegen jemanden gehegt hast. Wie hast du dich gefühlt?

Was ist für dich das unheimlichste grollende Geräusch in der Natur?

Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte über einen grollenden Riesen, der eigentlich nur einsam ist.

Wie unterscheidet sich 'grollend' von 'wütend' in deiner eigenen Erfahrung?

Denkst du, dass eine grollende Gesellschaft sich jemals wieder versöhnen kann?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not really. 'Grollend' implies a deeper, more persistent resentment. If someone is just slightly annoyed, use 'genervt' or 'verärgert'. Use 'grollend' when there is a sense of weight or a 'rumble' of anger.

Yes, especially when describing the weather or a person's mood. It's a standard B1-level word that every German speaker knows and uses. You'll hear it in news, books, and casual talk about hunger (grollender Magen).

'Nachtragend' is a personality trait (he is a person who holds grudges). 'Grollend' describes the current state or appearance (he is looking resentful right now).

It is a voiced uvular fricative. Start the 'g' and then let the 'r' vibrate in the back of your throat, similar to gargling water. It should sound deep and resonant.

It's grammatically possible but uncommon. Germans usually say 'Ich hege einen Groll' or 'Ich bin sauer'. 'Grollend' is most often used as an adverb (Er schaute mich grollend an) or attributively (Sein grollender Blick).

Almost never. It is inherently associated with negative sounds (storms, growling) or negative emotions (resentment, bitterness).

Yes! A large, heavy engine that is making a deep, vibrating sound can be described as 'grollend'. It suggests power and perhaps a bit of danger.

It is the noun for a rumbling stomach. You can also use the adjective: 'ein grollender Magen'. Both mean you are very hungry.

Yes, exactly. They rhyme perfectly in German. 'Rollend' means rolling, 'grollend' means rumbling/resentful.

It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a newspaper, a novel, or a conversation with a friend. It's a very versatile 'Bildungswort' (educated word).