Schwimmen is a German word that functions primarily as a verb meaning “to swim.” It is also the name of a traditional German card game, often known internationally as “31.”
Linguistic origins
The term derives from Old High German swimman, which is cognate with the English verb “to swim.” The Proto-Germanic root is reconstructed as *swimaz.*, indicating a common Germanic origin for terms related to moving through water by bodily motion.
Verb usage in German
As an intransitive verb, schwimmen describes the act of moving through water using bodily propulsion, typically by humans or aquatic animals. It is conjugated regularly in German and appears in a variety of grammatical constructions:
- Infinitive: schwimmen
- Present tense (ich): ich schwimme
- Past participle: geschwommen (used with the auxiliary verb sein to form the perfect tense: ich bin geschwommen)
The verb is employed both in literal contexts (e.g., “Ich gehe im See schwimmen” – “I go swimming in the lake”) and metaphorical or idiomatic expressions, such as „etwas im Schwimmbecken der Möglichkeiten“ (literally “something in the swimming pool of possibilities”) to denote a range of options.
The activity of swimming in German culture
Swimming (Schwimmen) is a widely practiced recreational, competitive, and therapeutic activity in German‑speaking countries. Public facilities such as Badeanstalten (public swimming pools) and natural bodies of water are commonly used for:
- Recreation and health: Swimming is promoted for cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, and low‑impact exercise.
- Sport: Germany fields competitive swimmers in national and international events, including the Olympic Games. The sport is governed by the Deutscher Schwimm-Verband (German Swimming Federation).
- Education: School curricula often include compulsory swimming lessons to ensure basic water safety skills.
Schwimmen as a card game
Overview
Schwimmen (also called 31 or Schnauz) is a traditional German gambling and social card game for two to ten players. The objective is to achieve a hand value of 31 points or the highest possible total below that figure. The game uses a standard 32‑card German or French deck (typically the "Skat" deck), with cards valued as follows:
- Ace = 11 points
- Ten = 10 points
- King, Queen, Jack = 10 points each
- Seven, Eight, Nine = 0 points
A hand consisting of an Ace and a Ten of the same suit totals exactly 31 points and is an automatic win.
Historical context
The game is believed to have originated in the 19th century in German‑speaking regions and spread across Europe under various local names. Historical references to Schwimmen appear in German leisure literature and gambling regulations from the early 20th century.
Gameplay mechanics
Players are dealt three cards and may exchange cards with a communal “stock” to improve their hand. After a predetermined number of rounds or when a player declares “Schwimmen” (indicating a hand of 31), the round ends and the scores are settled. The game emphasizes probability assessment, quick decision‑making, and a degree of bluffing.
Cultural relevance
Schwimmen remains popular in German pubs, community centers, and among families, often serving as a casual pastime rather than a high‑stakes gambling activity. It is also occasionally taught in schools as part of traditional games curricula.
Related terms
- Schwimmhalle – indoor swimming pool facility.
- Schwimmbad – public or private swimming pool.
- Schwimmmeister – a certified swimming instructor in Germany.
See also
- Swimming (sport) – the international competitive discipline.
- 31 (card game) – the English‑language counterpart of Schwimmen.
- German recreational games – overview of traditional German leisure activities.