schmieren
Translation
to spread, to lubricate, to bribe, to scrawl
Examples
Ich schmiere Butter auf mein Brot.
I spread butter on my bread.
Man muss die quietschende Tür schmieren.
You have to lubricate the squeaking door.
Er versuchte, den Polizisten zu schmieren.
He tried to bribe the police officer.
Das Kind schmiert mit Stiften auf die Wand.
The child is scribbling on the wall with pens.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((onto sth.)) schmieren to spread sth. onto sth. I spread jam onto the bread.
((sth.)) schmieren to grease/lubricate sth. You should lubricate your bicycle.
((sb.)) schmieren to bribe sb. They say he bribed the witness.
Similar Words
Etymology
Derived from Old High German 'smirwen' (to smear), which is related to 'Schmer' (animal fat, lard).
Memory Tips
Connects to the English word 'smear'. Imagine smearing butter, grease, or even bribe money.