fetten
to grease
To coat or lubricate something with grease so that it moves more smoothly or is protected.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker fettet das Lager regelmäßig.
The mechanic greases the bearing regularly.
fetten
to grease / become greasy
fetten – fettete – hat gefettet
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Meanings
fetten
to become greasy
To secrete or release oil, especially referring to hair, skin, or creams.
EXAMPLE
Meine Haare fetten so schnell, dass ich sie jeden Tag waschen muss.
My hair becomes greasy so quickly that I have to wash it every day.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry fetten, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Present
| ich | fette |
|---|---|
| du | fettest |
| er/sie/es | fettet |
| wir | fetten |
| ihr | fettet |
| sie | fetten |
Simple past
| ich | fettete |
|---|---|
| du | fettetest |
| er/sie/es | fettete |
| wir | fetteten |
| ihr | fettetet |
| sie | fetteten |
Perfect
with haben
| ich | habe gefettet |
|---|---|
| du | hast gefettet |
| er/sie/es | hat gefettet |
| wir | haben gefettet |
| ihr | habt gefettet |
| sie | haben gefettet |
Commands
| du | fett! fette! |
|---|---|
| ihr | fettet! |
| Sie | fetten Sie! |
Past perfect
| ich | hatte gefettet |
|---|---|
| du | hattest gefettet |
| er/sie/es | hatte gefettet |
| wir | hatten gefettet |
| ihr | hattet gefettet |
| sie | hatten gefettet |
Future
| ich | werde fetten |
|---|---|
| du | wirst fetten |
| er/sie/es | wird fetten |
| wir | werden fetten |
| ihr | werdet fetten |
| sie | werden fetten |
Subjunctive I
| ich | fette |
|---|---|
| du | fettest |
| er/sie/es | fette |
| wir | fetten |
| ihr | fettet |
| sie | fetten |
Used for reported speech.
Subjunctive II
| ich | fettete |
|---|---|
| du | fettetest |
| er/sie/es | fettete |
| wir | fetteten |
| ihr | fettetet |
| sie | fetteten |
Used for wishes and “would”.
Other forms
| infinitive | fetten |
|---|---|
| with zu | zu fetten |
| present participle | fettend |
| past participle | gefettet |
Usage tips
Word formation
'Fetten' (to grease / become greasy) is formed from the noun 'Fett' (fat / grease) and the ending '-en'. The verb therefore describes applying grease to something or something releasing oil.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Backen fettet sie die Form gründlich.
Before baking, she greases the pan thoroughly.
Typical collocations
Typical objects used with 'fetten' (to grease) include bearings, hinges, chains, and moving machine parts. Baking pans and trays are also greased in the kitchen.
EXAMPLE
Die Scharniere quietschen, deshalb müssen wir sie endlich fetten.
The hinges are squeaking, so we really need to grease them at last.
Accusative object
In the sense of 'mit Fett bestreichen' (to coat with grease), 'fetten' (to grease) takes a direct accusative object: 'Man fettet etwas' (you grease something). Instructions therefore often use the verb in the imperative or the passive.
EXAMPLE
Fetten Sie die Kette vor der ersten Fahrt sorgfältig.
Grease the chain carefully before the first ride.
Technical usage
In technical contexts, 'fetten' (to grease) usually refers to maintaining and protecting moving parts. In baking, the word refers to preparing a pan or baking tray.
EXAMPLE
Das Gerät muss regelmäßig gefettet werden, damit die Teile leicht beweglich bleiben.
The device must be greased regularly so that the parts continue to move freely.
In real life
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