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purzeln

to tumble; to topple over

verb PURT-seln Rare
Body & Health Movement

Usage Note

purzeln describes a rolling, tumbling fall, often for children or small objects. Ein Purzelbaum schlagen (to do a somersault) shares the root. The word is light and often slightly comic in tone.

Examples

"Das Kind purzelte vom Sofa und fing an zu lachen."

Natural Translation

The child tumbled off the sofa and started laughing.

Literal Translation

The child tumbled from-the sofa and began to laugh.

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