to grind
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to grind
To crush something, especially grain or coffee, in a mill or similar device into a fine powder or small particles.
Für frischen Kaffee mahle ich die Bohnen immer direkt vor dem Aufbrühen.
For fresh coffee, I always grind the beans right before brewing.
to grind
Figuratively, to work through something slowly and thoroughly. Often used in the expression 'Die Mühlen der Justiz/Bürokratie mahlen langsam' (the wheels of justice/bureaucracy grind slowly).
Die Mühlen der Bürokratie mahlen oft sehr langsam, aber am Ende bekommt man eine Antwort.
The wheels of bureaucracy often grind very slowly, but in the end you get an answer.
The verb 'mahlen' (to grind) is closely connected to the noun 'die Mühle' (the mill). A mill is the traditional building or device in which grain is ground.
Früher brachten die Bauern ihr Korn zur Mühle, um es mahlen zu lassen.
In the past, farmers brought their grain to the mill to have it ground.
The past participle 'gemahlen' (ground) is very often used as an adjective before a noun to describe the result of grinding.
Ich kaufe immer frisch gemahlenen Kaffee.
I always buy freshly ground coffee.
In its literal meaning, 'mahlen' (to grind) is typically combined with foods that are processed into powder. Common objects are 'Kaffee' (coffee), 'Getreide' (grain), 'Pfeffer' (pepper), or 'Gewürze' (spices).
Kannst du bitte den Pfeffer für den Salat frisch mahlen?
Could you please grind the pepper fresh for the salad?
The figurative meaning is used almost exclusively in the expression 'Die Mühlen der ... mahlen langsam' (the wheels of ... grind slowly). It expresses that a process takes a very long time, especially with institutions.
Die Mühlen der Justiz mahlen langsam, aber gerecht.
The wheels of justice grind slowly, but fairly.
