brennen
Translation
to burn, to be on fire, to sting, to distill
Examples
Das Holz im Kamin brennt.
The wood in the fireplace is burning.
Die Wunde brennt schrecklich.
The wound stings terribly.
Das Licht im Badezimmer brennt noch.
The light in the bathroom is still on.
Er brennt Schnaps aus Obst.
He distills schnapps from fruit.
Grammar Patterns
intransitive: ((sth.)) brennt ((sth.)) burns The fire is burning.
intransitive: ((light)) brennt ((light)) is on The light is on.
transitive: ((sth.)) brennen to burn ((sth.)) I am burning a CD.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flammen (to flame), glühen (to glow); Antonyms: löschen (to extinguish)
Etymology
Cognate with English 'burn', both from Proto-Germanic *brinnaną.
Memory Tips
The connection to 'burn' is obvious. Remember its extended uses: a wound can 'brennen' (sting), and a light can 'brennen' (be on).