strampeln

to kick one's legs, to thrash about

verb SHTRAM-peln Rare

Also means

to pedal hard

Usage Note

strampeln describes vigorous, uncoordinated leg or arm movements — a baby kicking, someone flailing in water, or cycling hard. It conveys energetic, somewhat frantic bodily motion. Common in descriptions of infants, swimming, or cycling with effort.

Examples

"Das Baby strampelte fröhlich auf der Wickelunterlage."

Natural Translation

The baby kicked its legs happily on the changing mat.

Literal Translation

The baby kicked happily on the changing-mat.

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