Rodeln
/ˈʁoːdl̩n/
The German phrase for tobogganing is Rodeln.
Rodeln refers to the activity of tobogganing.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁoːdl̩n/
Did you know?
- Many German towns offer Nachtrodeln, where the tobogganing runs are illuminated by torches or lights for night riding.
- In the Alps, you will see Rodelbahnen, which are specially constructed winding tracks designed exclusively for tobogganing.
- The term Rodeln is actually a regional loan from Bavarian German that eventually moved into Standard German, much like how English absorbed many terms from Scots.
Examples in context
- Wir möchten Rodeln gehen.We would like to go tobogganing.
- Gestern haben wir Rodeln im Schwarzwald gemacht.Yesterday, we went tobogganing in the Black Forest.
- Wir gehen heute Rodeln.We are going tobogganing today.
- Rodeln macht im Winter viel Spaß.Tobogganing is a lot of fun in winter.
Example conversation
Two friends are standing in the snow outside a cabin.
- JuliaLukas, hast du Lust auf Rodeln?Lukas, do you feel like tobogganing?
- LukasJa, ich liebe das Rodeln!Yes, I love tobogganing!
- JuliaSollen wir den Schlitten holen?Should we get the sled?
- LukasGute Idee, lass uns gehen.Good idea, let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Rodeln, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rodeln, CC BY-SA 4.0.
