durchblättern

Durchblättern is a German verb that means to flip through or browse pages in a book, magazine, catalog, or digital document. The action generally implies quick scanning rather than careful reading, often done to gain an overview, locate a specific item, or sample content.

As a separable prefix verb, durchblättern combines durch- with blättern. In present tense, the prefix is separated and placed at the end of the clause: Ich blättere durch das Magazin. The past participle is durchgeblättert, for example: Ich habe das Magazin durchgeblättert. The verb can also be used with the direct object in the non-separable form in other constructions, though the separable form is most common in everyday use.

Etymologically, durchblättern is formed from blättern, meaning to leaf through, with the prefix durch- meaning through or across. The combination emphasizes moving across multiple pages rather than focusing on a single page.

Usage notes: Durchblättern is used for both physical media and, in some contexts, digital content when the emphasis is on scanning rather than reading in depth. For web pages or online content, speakers may prefer verbs like durchsehen or durchscrollen, depending on the nuance and regional variation. In contrast, lesen denotes deliberate reading, and blättern alone can imply a lighter or less intentional leafing through.

See also: blättern, durchsehen, stöbern.

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