verb
kauen
chew
Mit den Zähnen kleine Stücke aus dem Essen machen, bevor man es schluckt.
The German word "kauen" is a verb meaning "to chew".
- It comes from the root verb itself (no compound parts).
- Kauen describes the action of grinding food with the teeth while eating.
Similar words:
- nagen – to gnaw (usually referring to animals or persistent chewing)
- beißen – to bite (more about the act of closing teeth forcibly)
Difference:
- Kauen is the general, continuous action of chewing food.
- Nagen implies persistent or repetitive gnawing, often by animals.
- Beißen is a sharper, more forceful action (biting).
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Examples
Er kaute leise auf seinem Brot.verb
He chewed quietly on his bread.
Die Katzen kauen an ihrem Spielzeug.verb
The cats chew on their toy.
Das Pferd kaut Heu im Stall.verb
The horse chews hay in the stable.
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