Rütteln

Rütteln is a German verb that denotes the action of applying rapid, repeated back‑and‑forth or up‑and‑down movements to an object. The movement is typically intentional and used to mix, loosen, or dislodge material. The term can also be used figuratively, in expressions such as wachrütteln, meaning to wake someone up or to spur them into action.

In laboratories and industry, Rütteln refers to agitation processes performed by devices such as Rüttelshaker. These devices provide controlled oscillations to mix liquids, resuspend solids, or enhance extraction. The process may be described as Rütteln or as Rüttelbewegung. In quality assurance, vibration is applied in Rüttelprüfungen (Rütteltests) to assess mechanical reliability, for example in automotive parts, electronics, or packaging. Tests may use sinusoidal or random vibrations, varying amplitude and frequency.

Figuratively, Rütteln is used to denote awakening or prompting a rethink. Expressions include jemanden wachrütteln, meaning to shake someone awake, and etwas wachrütteln, meaning to jolt something into attention or to spur reconsideration.

See also: Schütteln, Rüttler, Rüttelprüfung, Rüttelshaker.