skaten

Skaten is a term used in German and Dutch to describe the activity of skating, typically on wheeled devices such as inline skates or roller skates. In German, skaten functions as the verb to skate and also as a noun (das Skaten) for the activity in general. In Dutch, skaten likewise refers to wheeled skating; ice skating in Dutch is schaatsen, while in German ice skating is eislaufen. The word is a loan from English skate and gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of roller skating, inline skating, and later skate parks.

Typical activities include recreational inline skating, speed skating on wheels, and aggressive skating in urban skate parks. Skateboarding is a closely related activity but is typically described with its own term (skateboarden) in Dutch and German.

Equipment and surfaces: Skaters rely on inline skates or roller skates, protective gear such as helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and suitable surfaces including skate parks, promenade paths, or smooth asphalt.

Geographic use and culture: In Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, skaten has become part of casual sport and youth culture, with local clubs and events promoting safety and skill development.

Safety and regulations: Skating activities are commonly guided by local rules on helmet use, pavement quality, and sharing space with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Proper warm-up and awareness of surroundings reduce the risk of injury.