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stottern

to stutter

verb SHTOT-tern Less Common
Communication Speech

Also means

to stammer

Usage Note

stottern describes the speech disorder of repeating sounds, but also stammering from nervousness: vor Aufregung stottern. The noun is das Stottern. Figuratively, an engine can stottern (sputter). Compare stammeln, which stresses faltering word-finding rather than sound repetition.

Examples

"Vor Aufregung begann er zu stottern."

Natural Translation

Out of excitement he began to stutter.

Literal Translation

Out-of excitement began he to stutter.

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