What’s the difference between the Deitsh words shpringa and shprenga?
Both of the words shpringa and shprenga are verbs (action words) that mean to run.
Shpringa verb = to run (as in movement, or to work and function)
Shprenga verb = to run (as in to operate something else)
ℹ See also the Pennsylvania Dutch figure of speech for walking verses running (lesson guide).
shpringa
1 | Use shpringa when you’re talking about running (movement).
This can be a person or animal that runs.
Ich shtay uf free meiyets so’s ich shpringa kann.
’S hutshli shpringd.
2 | You can also use shpringa when you’re talking about something that is operating (working/running).
This is a machine or device, such as generators, refrigerators, washing machines, motors, cars and trucks.
’Sis gans laut koss di generator am shpringa is.
shprenga
Use shprenga when you’re talking about operating something else—usually a piece of equipment or a machine.
Da Colton is di generator am shprenga.
See shprengd’s vesha machine Moondawks.
Du bisht dei maul am shprenga!