Skip to content

maulen

to sulk, to grumble, to complain in a sulky way

verb MOW-len Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

maulen is a colloquial verb for complaining in a sulky, resentful way — combining sulking with verbal grumbling. 'Hör auf zu maulen!' (Stop sulking/moaning!). It is often used for children or adults who complain while clearly resenting the situation. More petulant than klagen.

Examples

"Der Teenager maulte, als er hörte, dass er am Wochenende zu Hause bleiben musste."

Natural Translation

The teenager sulked and grumbled when he heard he had to stay home at the weekend.

Literal Translation

The teenager sulked, when he heard, that he at-the weekend at home stay had-to.

Explore German by topic