kehren
Translation
to sweep, to turn, to turn over
Examples
Ich muss den Boden kehren.
I have to sweep the floor.
Er kehrte auf dem Absatz.
He turned on his heel.
Sie kehrte dem Lärm den Rücken.
She turned her back on the noise.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to sweep (sth.) Sie kehrt die Straße.
((sb.)) one's back ((on sth.)) to turn one's back on (sb./sth.) Er kehrte dem Problem den Rücken zu.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fegen (to sweep), wenden (to turn); Antonyms: bleiben (to stay)
Etymology
From Old High German 'kēren' (to turn, bend). The turning motion connects both meanings: 'to sweep' (turning a broom) and 'to turn' (changing direction).
Memory Tips
Imagine making a 'careening' turn with a broom to 'sweep' the floor. Or think of 'U-turn' (Umkehr) to remember the 'turn' meaning.