kolportieren
Translation
to spread (rumours), to hawk, to peddle
Examples
Man kolportierte Gerüchte über ihre Affäre.
Rumours were spread about her affair.
Es wird kolportiert, dass der Minister zurücktritt.
It is rumoured that the minister is resigning.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to spread sth. (e.g. a rumour) Man kolportierte Gerüchte über ihre Affäre.
((it is rumoured that ...)) it is rumoured that ... Es wird kolportiert, dass der Minister zurücktritt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verbreiten, streuen, Gerüchte in die Welt setzen (to spread rumors)
Etymology
From French 'colporteur' (peddler), from 'col' (neck) + 'porter' (to carry). Originally meant to carry goods on one's neck/shoulders to sell.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'reporter' who 'collates' stories and spreads them, sometimes unverified. 'kol-portieren' -> to 'carry' news.