dümpeln
Translation
to bob, to drift, to languish, to stagnate
Examples
Das Boot dümpelt auf den Wellen.
The boat is bobbing on the waves.
Die Wirtschaft dümpelt vor sich hin.
The economy is stagnating.
Grammar Patterns
((on sth.)) to bob on sth. The boat is bobbing on the waves.
((vor sich hin)) to stagnate, to languish The economy is stagnating.
Similar Words
Synonyms: treiben, schaukeln; Antonyms: vorankommen, wachsen
Etymology
Onomatopoeic origin, imitating a gentle up-and-down movement. Related to Dutch 'dompelen' (to dip).
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'dumpy' little boat 'bobbing' (dümpeln) on the water.