kehren
return · sweep
Mit einem Besen oder ähnlichem Werkzeug den Boden sauber machen, indem man Schmutz oder Staub zusammentreibt.
The German word "kehren" is a verb that primarily means "to sweep" or "to clean by sweeping." The action generally involves using a broom or similar tool to gather debris, dirt, or dust.
Similar verbs in English are "sweep" and "broom,” which also share roughly the same sande of cleaning but might emulate different nuances; "sweep" is generic like "kehren," while "to broom" (less commonly used) insists specifically on the action involving a broom.
"Kehren" can analogously mean turning around or returning, extending the sense of moving in a sweeping motion. Here, another related term could be "wenden" which specifically means "to turn" or "to reverse direction"; while "kehren" in this context has a broader yet slightly metaphorical span.
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Examples
Er kehrt zurück, bevor es dunkel wird.verb
He returns before it gets dark.
Er kehrt regelmäßig den Hof.verb
He regularly sweeps the yard.
Morgens kehren wir den Gehweg.verb
In the morning we sweep the sidewalk.
Am Abend kehren viele Menschen nach Hause zurück.verb
In the evening, many people return home.
Gestern haben die Nachbarn die Terrasse gründlich gekehrt.verb
Yesterday the neighbors thoroughly swept the terrace.
Warum musst du heute schon so früh die Werkstatt kehren?verb
Why do you have to sweep the workshop so early today?
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