No. 4,745 in German
zappeln
"Zappeln" means "to fidget" or "to squirm."
In a sentence
Die Kinder zappeln vor Freude, während sie auf ihre Geburtstagsgeschenke warten.
The children are fidgeting with excitement while waiting for their birthday presents.
Here, 'zappeln' describes the physical restless movements due to being excited.
Der Fisch zappelt im Netz, als der Fischer ihn einholt.
The fish flutters in the net as the fisherman pulls it in.
In this sentence, 'zappeln' conveys the struggles and rapid movements of the fish.
Er ließ mich lange zappeln, bevor er mir die Antwort gab.
He kept me waiting nervously for a long time before giving me an answer.
Here, 'zappeln' is used metaphorically to describe nervous anticipation.
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