Trommelwirbel

drum roll

noun TROM-el-vir-bel Rare

Usage Note

Trommelwirbel is a rapid sustained roll on a drum, used to build tension, signal announcements, or punctuate dramatic moments. In colloquial German, ein Trommelwirbel bitte humorously announces something supposedly important.

Examples

"Mit einem Trommelwirbel wurde der Gewinner bekanntgegeben."

Natural Translation

The winner was announced with a drum roll.

Literal Translation

With a drum roll, the winner was made known.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Adjective Endings Made Simple

German adjective endings come down to one question, not three tables: does the article already show gender and case? If yes, the adjective stays lazy.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Greetings by Region: Grüß Gott to Grüezi

German greetings change by region: say Moin in Hamburg, Grüß Gott in Bavaria, Grüezi in Switzerland. A map of every hello and goodbye, plus du vs. Sie.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Tipping in Germany: A Visitor's Etiquette Guide

Tipping in Germany means saying your total out loud, not leaving coins. Learn the exact phrases, how much to tip, and the Sie-vs-du etiquette travelers need.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read