Polyglot Dictionary

faulen

/ˈfaʊ̯lən/

verb B1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: fault
past: faulte
perfect: ist gefault

Meaning

to rot, to decay
- Die Äpfel begannen zu faulen.
  
  The apples began to rot.
- Die Äpfel faulen im Keller, weil es zu feucht ist. Wir müssen sie bald wegwerfen.
  
  The apples are rotting in the cellar because it is too damp. We will have to throw them away soon.

Similar words

verwesen is more specifically about organic decomposition, like a body decaying; faulen is more general rot, like food rotting.

Practice

1 What does faulen mean?

2 Fill the gap: Die Äpfel begannen zu ___.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches faulen?

See also

faul

verb

Last updated 2026-09-22