drehen
Translation
turned, rotated, filmed, shot (a movie)
Examples
Sie drehten den Schlüssel im Schloss.
They turned the key in the lock.
Die Kinder drehten sich im Kreis.
The children spun in a circle.
Sie drehten einen Film in Berlin.
They shot a film in Berlin.
Grammar Patterns
to turn ((sth.)) to turn something They turned the key in the door.
to turn/spin (reflexive) The Earth turned around the sun.
to shoot a film The director shot a new film.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wenden (to turn), rotieren (to rotate)
Etymology
From Old High German 'drāen' (to twist, turn). Related to the English word 'throw', as in 'to throw a pot' on a potter's wheel.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'drill' turning and drilling a hole. 'Drehen' sounds a bit like 'drill'.