putzen
Translation
to clean, to polish, to brush (teeth)
Examples
Ich muss die Wohnung putzen.
I have to clean the flat.
Sie putzt sich die Zähne.
She is brushing her teeth.
Er putzt seine Schuhe.
He is polishing his shoes.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to clean sth. I have to clean the flat.
((sich dat.)) ((sth. acc.)) to brush one's (body part) She is brushing her teeth.
Similar Words
Synonyms: reinigen, säubern; Antonyms: verschmutzen (to dirty)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'butzen', meaning 'to adorn, to clean'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'putting' things in order. It's a very common, everyday word for cleaning rooms, windows, teeth, shoes, etc.