zerreiben
rub · grind
Etwas mit den Händen oder einem Gegenstand so stark drücken, dass es in kleine Stücke oder zu Pulver wird.
The German word "zerreiben" is a verb that means "to grind" or "to crush". It is composed of the prefix "zer-" meaning "to break apart" and the verb "reiben" which means "to rub" or "to grate". "Zerreiben" typically refers to the action of grinding something down into a finer substance, often used in contexts like spices, herbs, or other materials.
Similar words in German include "mahllen" (to mill) and "zerkleinern" (to chop or cut into smaller pieces).
The difference is that "mahllen" often implies milling or grinding into flour or a fine powder, whereas "zerreiben" implies a more direct physical action of rubbing or crushing. "Zerkleinern" generally means to cut or break into smaller pieces rather than grinding or rubbing.
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Examples
Man kann die getrockneten Blätter zwischen den Händen zerreiben.verb
You can rub the dried leaves between your hands.
Pfefferminzblätter zerreibt man zwischen den Fingern.verb
Peppermint leaves are rubbed between the fingers.
Viele Köche zerreiben Gewürze direkt in der Küche.verb
Many cooks grind spices directly in the kitchen.
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