sich räuspern
To clear throat in German is sich räuspern.
The phrase is used to describe making a short, sharp sound in the throat to clear it or to get someone's attention. While sich räuspern is the standard way to express this, you may also encounter the colloquial expression Einen Räusperer von sich geben, which translates to 'to give a clearing sound'.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb räuspern means to clear the throat. Because it is a reflexive verb, it must be used with a reflexive pronoun such as sich to indicate that the person is clearing their own throat.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a reflexive verb, it requires a reflexive pronoun. For example, the past tense of sich räuspern is räusperte sich.
Did you know?
- In German social settings, sich räuspern can be used as a subtle non-verbal signal to indicate disapproval or to remind someone of a social rule without speaking.
- The verb räuspern originates from the Middle High German word riuspern.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, ich muss mich kurz räuspern.Excuse me, I need to clear my throat momentarily.
- Er räusperte sich, um die Aufmerksamkeit der Zuhörer zu gewinnen.He cleared his throat to get the attention of the listeners.
- Bevor er anfing zu reden, musste er sich räuspern.Before he started talking, he had to clear his throat.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries räuspern, sich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
