Köchelt

Köchelt is the third-person singular present tense form of the German verb köcheln, which means to simmer gently or to cook slowly at a temperature just below boiling. The action is characterized by small, steady bubbles and a low heat, often sustained for an extended period to develop flavors without rapid boiling.

In culinary writing köcheln describes processes such as sauces, soups, stews, or reductions that are kept at a gentle simmer. It contrasts with kochen, which implies a more active boil, and with sieden, which can indicate higher temperatures. Common phrases include vor sich hin köcheln (to simmer away) and köcheln lassen (to let simmer).

Examples of usage include: Die Suppe köchelt sanft vor sich hin. Die Sauce köchelt langsam ein. Die Brühe köchelt, während das Rezept befolgt wird. These constructions emphasize a controlled, continuous heat rather than vigorous boiling.

Grammar and forms: Köchelt is intransitive and typically used without a direct object. The perfect tense is formed with geköchelt and a helping verb, usually haben, as in Die Suppe hat geköchelt. Related words include köcheln lassen (to let simmer) and das Köcheln (the act of simmering).

Etymology and note: The verb köcheln derives from kochen (to cook) and the -eln suffix, which creates a verb denoting a prolonged or repeated action. It is widely understood in German-speaking culinary contexts and is used across regional varieties of German.