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 The mother lets the soup simmer.
to simmer (intransitive) The sauce has been simmering for an hour.
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).