das Drehen
turning
A movement around its own axis or around a central point. Also, moving an object in this way.
EXAMPLE
Durch das Drehen des Schlüssels wird die Tür verriegelt.
Turning the key locks the door.
das Drehen
turning
das Drehen
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Meanings
das Drehen
filming
Recording scenes for a film or television program with a camera.
EXAMPLE
Das Drehen der letzten Filmszene dauerte einen ganzen Tag.
Filming the last scene of the movie took an entire day.
das Drehen
machining / turning
A process for machining workpieces in which a tool removes material from a rotating workpiece.
EXAMPLE
Beim Drehen trägt ein Schneidwerkzeug Späne von dem rotierenden Metallstück ab.
During turning, a cutting tool removes chips from the rotating piece of metal.
das Drehen
rolling cigarettes
Making a cigarette by rolling tobacco into a thin sheet of paper.
EXAMPLE
Zum Drehen seiner Zigaretten verwendet er losen Tabak und dünne Papierblättchen.
He uses loose tobacco and thin rolling papers to roll his cigarettes.
Forms
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Drehens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Drehen | – |
| accusative | das Drehen | – |
| dative | dem Drehen | – |
| genitive | des Drehens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
From verb to noun
'Drehen' (turning) is the verb 'drehen' (to turn) used as a noun here. Common patterns are 'beim Drehen' (while turning) for something that happens during the activity and 'zum Drehen' (for rolling) for something needed for it.
EXAMPLE
Beim Drehen der Szene fiel plötzlich eine Lampe aus.
A lamp suddenly went out while the scene was being filmed.
Zum Drehen einer Zigarette braucht er nur wenig Tabak.
He only needs a little tobacco to roll a cigarette.
Specifying direction
The direction can be indicated with 'Drehen im Uhrzeigersinn' (turning clockwise) or 'Drehen gegen den Uhrzeigersinn' (turning counterclockwise). These combinations are especially common in instructions.
EXAMPLE
Durch Drehen im Uhrzeigersinn lässt sich der Deckel fest verschließen.
Turning clockwise allows the lid to be closed tightly.
Durch Drehen gegen den Uhrzeigersinn wird die Schraube gelöst.
Turning counterclockwise loosens the screw.
Typical collocations
In the context of filming, 'mit dem Drehen beginnen' (to start filming) and 'mit dem Drehen fertig sein' (to be finished filming) are typical combinations. After 'mit', the form is 'dem Drehen'.
EXAMPLE
Das Team möchte im Herbst mit dem Drehen beginnen.
The team wants to start filming in the fall.
Technical context
Words such as 'Drehmaschine' (lathe), 'Drehzahl' (rotational speed), 'Werkstück' (workpiece), and 'Späne' (chips) indicate that the technical meaning is intended. You will encounter this usage especially in workshops, technical training, and specialized texts.
EXAMPLE
Beim Drehen muss die Drehzahl zur Größe und zum Material des Werkstücks passen.
During turning, the rotational speed must be suited to the size and material of the workpiece.
By hand
'Drehen von Hand' (rolling by hand) emphasizes that no machine is being used. The combination 'Zubehör zum Drehen' (rolling accessories) is common when buying cigarette papers, filters, and similar products.
EXAMPLE
Für das Drehen von Hand braucht sie etwas Übung.
Rolling by hand takes a little practice.
In real life
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