kehren
Translation
to sweep, to turn
Examples
Sie kehrten den Schmutz aus dem Haus.
They swept the dirt out of the house.
Die Soldaten kehrten um.
The soldiers turned back.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to sweep (sth.) Er kehrt den Boden.
((j-m/et3)) den Rücken kehren to turn one's back on (sb./sth.) Sie kehrt dem Problem den Rücken.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fegen (to sweep), wenden (to turn).
Etymology
From Old High German 'kēren' (to turn). The sense of 'sweeping' comes from the turning motion of a broom.
Memory Tips
Imagine making a U-turn with a broom to sweep everything up. Or taking 'care' when sweeping.