01
entleeren
to empty
To remove all the contents from a container, room, or vessel so that it is empty.
example
Bitte entleeren Sie den Papierkorb, er ist ganz voll.
Please empty the wastepaper basket; it's completely full.
entleeren
to empty
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ent-' and the adjective 'leer' (empty). The prefix 'ent-' here means 'away' or 'remove', so 'entleeren' (to empty) literally means 'to make empty'.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Urlaub müssen wir den Kühlschrank komplett entleeren.
Before the vacation, we have to empty the refrigerator completely.
Inseparable verb
'Entleeren' (to empty) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ent-' stays firmly attached to the verb in all tenses and sentence constructions and is not stressed.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Flasche mit einem Zug entleert.
He emptied the bottle in one gulp.
Typical collocations
This meaning is often used with containers or rooms. Typical objects are: 'den Mülleimer entleeren' (to empty the trash can), 'eine Flasche entleeren' (to empty a bottle), 'den Tank entleeren' (to empty the tank), or 'den Speicher (eines Geräts) entleeren' (to empty/clear the memory of a device).
EXAMPLE
Könntest du bitte den Aschenbecher entleeren?
Could you please empty the ashtray?
Register and use
The reflexive form 'sich entleeren' (to empty oneself/to void) is very formal and is used mainly in medicine or biology. In everyday language, people use other verbs to talk about going to the toilet.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Untersuchung muss sich der Darm vollständig entleeren.
Before the examination, the bowel must empty completely.
Compare with
entleeren vs füllen
to fill
'füllen' and 'entleeren' describe opposites. With 'füllen', you put something into a container, room, or vessel so that it becomes full. With 'entleeren', you remove all the contents so that afterwards nothing is left inside. 'entleeren' sounds a little more formal than 'leeren' and is often used in factual or practical situations, for example with containers, tanks, or trash cans. The simple contrast is: 'füllen' makes something full, 'entleeren' makes something empty.
entleeren
Vor der Reinigung entleerte der Mitarbeiter den großen Behälter vollständig.
Before cleaning, the employee completely emptied the large container.
füllen
Morgen fülle ich im Büro die Kaffeemaschine mit frischem Wasser.
Tomorrow at the office, I will fill the coffee machine with fresh water.
In real life
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