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hangeln

to swing hand over hand on a bar or rope

verb HANG-eln Rare

Usage Note

Hangeln describes moving along a horizontal bar or rope by shifting grip hand over hand. Used in gymnastics, playgrounds, and rock climbing. Sich hangeln is the reflexive form.

Examples

"Die Kinder hangelten sich begeistert über die Kletterstangen."

Natural Translation

The children swung enthusiastically hand over hand across the climbing bars.

Literal Translation

The children swung themselves excitedly over the climbing bars.

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