leeren
to empty
To remove the entire contents from a container or a room.
EXAMPLE
Könntest du bitte den Mülleimer leeren?
Could you please empty the trash can?
leeren
to empty
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Meanings
sich leeren
to empty out
The state in which a place or container becomes empty on its own or because people leave.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Ende der Vorstellung leerte sich der Saal sehr schnell.
After the performance ended, the hall emptied out very quickly.
leeren
to empty
Colloquial for drinking a beverage completely, often in a short time.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Bierglas in einem einzigen Zug geleert.
He emptied his beer glass in one go.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'leeren' (to empty) is derived directly from the adjective 'leer' (empty). It describes the action of making something 'empty'.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Urlaub müssen wir den Kühlschrank komplett leeren.
Before vacation, we have to completely empty the fridge.
Active vs. reflexive
There is an important difference: 'leeren' (active) means that someone empties something. 'Sich leeren' (reflexive) means that a place becomes empty on its own because people leave it.
EXAMPLE
Der Hausmeister leert jeden Abend die Papierkörbe.
The janitor empties the wastepaper baskets every evening.
Typical collocations
Common objects for 'leeren' (to empty) are containers or storage spaces. Typical examples are: 'den Briefkasten leeren' (to empty the mailbox), 'den Papierkorb leeren' (to empty the wastepaper basket / recycle bin), 'den Speicher des Handys leeren' (to clear the phone's storage), or 'das Glas leeren' (to empty the glass).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe aus Versehen den falschen Ordner geleert.
I accidentally emptied the wrong folder.
Register: colloquial
The use of 'leeren' (to empty) in the sense of 'austrinken' (to drink up) is colloquial. You often hear it in informal situations among friends.
EXAMPLE
Sie wetteten, wer die Flasche zuerst leeren kann.
They bet on who could empty the bottle first.
Compare with
leeren vs trinken
to drink
„Trinken“ neutrally describes someone consuming a drink without emphasizing how long it takes or whether they finish it. „Leeren“ can colloquially mean drinking a beverage completely, often quickly. Use „trinken“ for the process and „leeren“ when the glass is meant to become completely empty.
leeren
Nach dem Essen leerte Lara ihr Glas Wein in wenigen Zügen.
After dinner, Lara emptied her glass of wine in a few gulps.
trinken
Beim Abendessen trank Lara ihr Glas Wein langsam.
Lara drank her glass of wine slowly during dinner.
In real life
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