schwanken

sway; wobble; waver

verb SHVANK-en Rare

Also means

fluctuate

Usage Note

schwanken describes a back-and-forth swaying motion, whether physical (a mast, a person standing unsteadily) or figurative (wavering in a decision). In medical contexts: der Patient schwankt beim Gehen (the patient sways when walking).

Examples

"Das Kind schwankte auf dem schmalen Balken hin und her."

Natural Translation

The child swayed back and forth on the narrow beam.

Literal Translation

The child swayed on the narrow beam back and forth.

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