Skip to content

torkeln

stagger; lurch

verb TOR-keln Rare
Body & Health Movement

Usage Note

torkeln describes lurching from side to side, strongly associated with intoxication or extreme exhaustion. More vivid and colloquial than taumeln. Often used with directional particles: er torkelte aus dem Wirtshaus.

Examples

"Nach der langen Party torkelte er nach Hause."

Natural Translation

After the long party he staggered home.

Literal Translation

After the long party staggered he home.

Explore German by topic