taumeln
Translation
to stagger, to reel, to totter, to lurch
Examples
Der Betrunkene taumelte die Straße entlang.
The drunk man staggered along the street.
Sie taumelte zwischen Hoffnung und Verzweiflung.
She wavered between hope and despair.
Grammar Patterns
((through/across sth.)) to stagger through/across sth. The man staggered through the room.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wanken, schwanken, torkeln; Antonyms: to stand steady
Etymology
From Middle High German 'tūmeln' (to turn, spin). Related to 'Taumel' (dizziness, frenzy).
Memory Tips
Imagine a spinning top ('Kreisel') that is about to fall over – it 'taumelt' (staggers).