schwenken
Translation
to wave, to swing, to pivot, to swivel
Examples
Er schwenkte die Fahne.
He waved the flag.
Die Kamera schwenkte nach links.
The camera panned to the left.
Das Gemüse in Butter schwenken.
Toss the vegetables in butter.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) schwenken to wave sth. He waved his hat to say goodbye.
((nach+3 / zu+3)) schwenken to pan/turn towards sth. The spotlight panned towards the audience.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wedeln (to wag), winken (to wave with hand), drehen (to turn)
Etymology
Related to the English 'swing' and German 'schwingen'. It implies a controlled, often horizontal movement.
Memory Tips
Imagine a swan (Schwan) gracefully 'schwenking' its neck.