werkeln
Translation
to tinker, to potter about, to do odd jobs
Examples
Er hat den ganzen Tag im Garten gewerkelt.
He tinkered in the garden all day.
Am Wochenende wird am neuen Regal gewerkelt.
Work will be done on the new shelf at the weekend.
Sie hat an ihrem alten Fahrrad gewerkelt.
She was tinkering with her old bicycle.
Grammar Patterns
((intransitive)) to tinker Er werkelt im Garten.
((an+3)) to tinker with sth. Sie werkelt an einem alten Fahrrad.
Similar Words
Synonyms: basteln (to do crafts), tüfteln (to tinker), heimwerken (to do DIY)
Etymology
A verb related to 'Werk' (work). It implies small, ongoing, often enjoyable work.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone doing little bits of 'Werk' (work) around the house. It's not heavy labour, but more like pottering or DIY projects.