zucken

twitch; flinch; jerk

verb TSOOK-en Rare

Usage Note

zucken describes a sudden involuntary movement (die Schultern zucken = to shrug). Mit den Achseln zucken is the standard phrase for shrugging. Zusammenzucken means to flinch or start in surprise.

Examples

"Bei dem lauten Knall zuckte er zusammen."

Natural Translation

He flinched at the loud bang.

Literal Translation

At the loud bang flinched he together.

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