spitzen
Translation
to sharpen, to prick up (ears), to purse (lips)
Examples
Er spitzt den Bleistift.
He sharpens the pencil.
Der Hund spitzt die Ohren.
The dog pricks up its ears.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to sharpen (sth.) Can you please sharpen the pencil? Kannst du bitte den Bleistift spitzen?
((sth.)) to prick up (one's ears) The cat pricks up its ears at the sound. Die Katze spitzt bei dem Geräusch die Ohren.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anspitzen, schärfen
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'die Spitze' (the tip, the point). The verb means 'to make a point/tip'.
Memory Tips
To remember, imagine making a 'Spitze' (point) on a pencil with a 'Spitzer' (sharpener).