Guten Tag! If you’re here to learn how to say “sweeping” in German, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this word, explore any regional variations if necessary, and provide you with plenty of tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Sweeping”
When it comes to speaking in a formal context, you need to be aware of the correct and respectful vocabulary to use. Here are some formal expressions for “sweeping” in German:
- fegen: This is the most common way to say “to sweep” in German. It covers the general action of using a broom to clean an area. For example, “Ich fegte den Boden gründlich” translates to “I swept the floor thoroughly.”
- sauber machen: Another way to express the act of “sweeping” formally is to use the phrase “sauber machen,” which means “to make clean.” For instance, “Herr Schmidt machte den Hof sauber” means “Mr. Schmidt swept the courtyard.”
- kehren: Although “kehren” primarily means “to sweep” in a much broader sense, it is sometimes used formally. For example, “Die Straße wurde gekehrt” translates to “The street was swept.”
Informal Ways to Say “Sweeping”
When you’re in a more casual or informal setting, you can switch to more colloquial expressions to say “sweeping.” Here are some informal options:
- wischen: The word “wischen” is commonly used in informal contexts to mean “to sweep” or “to mop.” For example, “Kannst du bitte den Boden wischen?” means “Can you please sweep the floor?”
- schrubben: Although “schrubben” usually refers to scrubbing, it can also be used informally to mean “sweeping” when referring to heavy-duty cleaning. For instance, “Ich musste den Flur schrubben” translates to “I had to sweep the hallway.”
- putzen: While “putzen” generally means “to clean,” it can also be used informally to imply sweeping. For example, “Sie putzte die Terrasse” means “She swept the terrace.”
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, each having some unique vocabulary and expressions. Here’s a look at different regional variations when it comes to saying “sweeping”:
Bavarian (Southern Germany)
In Bavarian dialects, the word “fegen” is often replaced by “schmeißen.” For example, “I schmeiß de Wies’n” means “I’ll sweep the meadow.” However, it’s important to note that this variation may not be widely understood outside of Bavaria.
Tips and Examples
To help you better understand how to use these words, let’s explore some tips and examples:
Tip: If you’re unsure about formality or informality, it’s generally safer to stick with the more neutral options mentioned earlier, such as “fegen” or “wischen.”
Now, let’s see these words in action:
- Example 1: “Kannst du bitte den Boden fegen?” (Can you please sweep the floor?)
- Example 2: “Ich fegte die Veranda vor dem Besuch.” (I swept the porch before the guests arrived.)
- Example 3: “Herr Müller macht immer das Haus sauber, einschließlich Fegen und Staubsaugen.” (Mr. Müller always cleans the house, including sweeping and vacuuming.)
- Example 4: “Die Straßenarbeiter kehrten die Straße nach dem Sturm.” (The road workers swept the street after the storm.)
- Example 5: “Kannst du bitte den Boden wischen? Ich habe etwas Sand reingetragen.” (Can you please mop the floor? I tracked in some sand.)
Remember, practice is key to mastering any language, so don’t shy away from using these phrases in context.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “sweeping” in German. From formal expressions like “fegen” and “sauber machen” to more informal terms such as “wischen” and “schrubben,” you have a variety of options to suit different situations.
So, go ahead and confidently express yourself when talking about “sweeping” in German. Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to experiment with these words in your conversations. Viel Glück (Good luck)!
