köcheln
Translation
to simmer, to poach gently
Examples
Die Suppe köchelt auf dem Herd.
The soup is simmering on the stove.
Lass die Soße eine Stunde köcheln.
Let the sauce simmer for an hour.
Grammar Patterns
to let ((sth.)) simmer Die Mutter lässt die Suppe köcheln.
to simmer (intransitive) Die Soße köchelt schon seit einer Stunde.
Similar Words
simmern (to simmer), sieden (to boil/simmer); Antonyms: sprudelnd kochen (to boil vigorously)
Etymology
Diminutive of 'kochen' (to cook). The '-eln' suffix often indicates a smaller, gentler action.
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'little cooking'. It's a gentler, slower version of 'kochen' (to cook/boil).