die Bürste
brush
A tool with bristles that is used for cleaning, arranging, or smoothing surfaces or hair.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche eine neue Bürste, um meine Schuhe zu putzen.
I need a new brush to clean my shoes.
die Bürste
brush
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Meanings
die Bürste
crew cut
A short hairstyle in which the hair is short and stands upright, similar to the bristles of a brush.
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner Zeit beim Militär behielt er die praktische Bürste als Frisur bei.
After his time in the military, he kept the practical crew cut as his hairstyle.
jemandem eine Bürste verpassen
to give someone a dressing-down
Colloquial expression meaning to sharply reprimand or scold someone.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer hat der Mannschaft nach dem verlorenen Spiel eine ordentliche Bürste verpasst.
The coach gave the team a proper dressing-down after the lost game.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Bürste' (brush) is the basis for the verb 'bürsten' (to brush). This verb describes exactly the activity you do with a brush.
EXAMPLE
Er bürstete den Staub von seiner Jacke.
He brushed the dust off his jacket.
Typical compounds
The word 'Bürste' (brush) is very often used as the base word in compound nouns. The first part of the word then describes the exact purpose it is used for.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reinigung der Flasche brauchst du eine spezielle Flaschenbürste.
You need a special bottle brush to clean the bottle.
Context clue
When 'Bürste' (crew cut) is used in connection with hair, hairstyle, or appearance, it often refers to the short haircut. Typical verbs in this context are 'tragen' (to wear) or 'sich schneiden lassen' (to have cut).
EXAMPLE
Er trägt seit seiner Zeit beim Militär eine Bürste.
He has worn a crew cut since his time in the military.
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemandem eine Bürste verpassen' means to sharply criticize or reprimand a person. The person receiving the criticism is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem verlorenen Spiel hat der Trainer der Mannschaft eine ordentliche Bürste verpasst.
After the lost game, the coach gave the team a proper dressing-down.
Compare with
Bürste vs Pinsel
brush
Pinsel and Bürste are tools with bristles. A Pinsel is usually used to apply paint, varnish, or another liquid, while a Bürste is more often used for cleaning, arranging, or smoothing. The purpose of the tool determines which term is appropriate.
Bürste
Mara entfernt mit der Bürste den groben Schmutz von der Holztür.
Mara uses the brush to remove the heavy dirt from the wooden door.
Pinsel
Mara trägt mit dem Pinsel frische Farbe auf die Holztür auf.
Mara uses the brush to apply fresh paint to the wooden door.
In real life
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