brennen
/ˈbʁɛnən/
The German verb for "burn" is brennen.
brennen is used to describe the process of consuming, injuring or changing the condition of something through the action of fire or heat.
Meaning: to consume, injure, or change the condition of, as if by action of fire or heat (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past tense of brennen is brannte, and the past participle is gebrannt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁɛnən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use brennen when they mean to burn an object. However, in German, you should use verbrennen if the fire is consuming an object.
Did you know?
- When a German speaker says their eyes or skin are brennen, they are describing a stinging or smarting sensation, similar to how an English speaker describes the feeling of chili peppers.
- A common German idiom die Luft brennt is used to describe a situation where the tension is so high that a conflict is about to explode.
- The English word 'brand' is an unexpected relative of brennen, sharing the same historical roots related to fire and marking.
Examples in context
- Dies kann nicht brennen.This doesn't burn.This sentence is useful for stating that something does not burn using brennen.Tatoeba #3765603 by Wuzzy, translation #3765539 by CK
- Der Vorhang kann brennen.The curtain can burn.This sentence is useful for stating that a curtain can burn using brennen.Tatoeba #4956847 by tarsier, translation #5748468 by Firesoul7
- Du wirst in der Hölle brennen.You will burn in hellfire.This sentence is useful for an idiomatic expression about burning in hell using brennen.Tatoeba #8597770 by Roujin, translation #5444988 by Mofli
- Das Feuer brennt immer noch.The fire is still burning.
- Das Haus stand in Flammen.The house was on fire.
- Die Kohlen glühten noch lange nach.The coals smoldered for a long time.
- Die Kerzen brennen bereits ab.The candles are already burning down.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are cooking in the kitchen.
- LauraPass auf, dass die Butter nicht brennt!Be careful that the butter doesn't burn!
- JulianIch werde die Hitze sofort reduzieren.I will reduce the heat immediately.
- LauraIch glaube, die Sauce beginnt schon zu brennen.I think the sauce is already starting to burn.
- JulianOh nein, wir müssen sie schnell vom Herd nehmen.Oh no, we have to take it off the stove quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry brennen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brennen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
