kolportieren
Translation
to spread (rumors), to hawk, to peddle
Examples
Man kolportierte Gerüchte über ihre Affäre.
Rumors were spread about her affair.
Es wird kolportiert, dass der Minister zurücktritt.
It is rumored that the minister is resigning.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to spread sth. (e.g. a rumor) Man kolportierte Gerüchte über ihre Affäre.
((it is rumored that ...)) it is rumored that ... Es wird kolportiert, dass der Minister zurücktritt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verbreiten, streuen, Gerüchte in die Welt setzen (to spread rumors)
Etymology
From the French 'colporteur' (peddler), which comes from 'col' (neck) and 'porter' (to carry), describing someone carrying goods to sell.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'carrying' ('portieren') news around their 'collar' ('kol') to everyone, like a town crier spreading rumors.