Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| springen | /ˈʃpʁɪŋən/ |
| hüpfen | /ˈhʏpfən/ |
The primary way to say jump is to use the verb springen, which means to propel oneself rapidly upward or to leap. If you want to describe a bouncing motion, you may use hüpfen. Related terms include hochspringen (to jump high), überspringen (to jump over) and hinunterspringen (to jump down). If you are describing the action of jumping around, you use rumhüpfen. For the noun, use der Sprung to refer to a jump or a leap, including specific instances like a parachute jump.
Which one should you use?
springen is used for leaping or the act of jumping, whereas hüpfen is used to describe the action of bouncing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the past participle gesprungen, you must use the auxiliary verb sein (e.g., Ich bin gesprungen) because the verb denotes a change of position. The simple past form of springen is sprang.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpʁɪŋən/
Did you know?
- The word Sprung can refer to a physical leap but also describes a 'crack' or 'fissure' in a piece of glass or porcelain.
- The phrase den Sprung wagen literally means 'to dare the jump', but it is used idiomatically to mean taking a big risk or making a bold move in life.
- The German verb überspringen can mean to jump over something physically, but it is also used figuratively to mean skipping or bypassing a step in a process.
Examples in context
- Sie kann hoch springen.She can jump high.This sentence demonstrates the use of springen to describe jumping high.Tatoeba #1341923 by al_ex_an_der, translation #313617 by CK
- Ich sah den Mann springen.I saw the man jump.This sentence shows how to use springen to describe observing someone jump.Tatoeba #7316097 by Yorwba, translation #254543 by CK
- Hast du Angst zu springen?Are you afraid to jump?This sentence illustrates the use of springen when expressing fear of jumping.Tatoeba #12630671 by Waldelfe, translation #12054750 by CK
- Bitte springen Sie über das Hindernis.Please jump over the obstacle.
- Es ist wichtig, dass Sie hoch genug springen.It is important that you jump high enough.
- Lass uns im Park herumhüpfen!Let's jump around in the park!
- Kannst du höher hüpfen?Can you jump higher?
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are watching a group of children playing at a park.
- JulianSchau mal, wie die Kinder springen!Look how the children jump!
- LauraJa, sie springen sehr hoch.Yes, they jump very high.
- JulianMöchtest du auch springen, Laura?Do you want to jump too, Laura?
- LauraNein, ich bleibe lieber hier stehen.No, I prefer to stay standing here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jump” translations and entries springen, hüpfen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
