to whip / lash / whisk
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to whip
To hit someone or an animal with a whip, often to drive them on or punish them.
Der Zirkusdirektor peitschte mit der Peitsche auf den Boden, um die Aufmerksamkeit der Löwen zu bekommen.
The circus director cracked the whip on the ground to get the lions' attention.
to lash
Referring to weather elements such as rain, wind, or waves: to strike against something violently and with great force.
Während des Sturms peitschte der Regen gegen die Fensterscheiben.
During the storm, the rain lashed against the windowpanes.
to whisk
In cooking, to beat liquid ingredients such as cream or egg whites quickly with a whisk or mixer until they reach a firm consistency.
Für die Baisermasse musst du das Eiweiß ganz steif peitschen.
For the meringue mixture, you need to whisk the egg whites until very stiff.
The verb 'peitschen' (to whip) is derived directly from the noun 'die Peitsche' (whip). It describes the action you perform with a whip.
Der Kutscher hielt die Peitsche in der Hand, benutzte sie aber nicht.
The coachman held the whip in his hand but did not use it.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'peitschen' (to whip/lash/whisk) from the context. If it is about weather (rain, wind), the figurative meaning 'to strike violently' is meant. If it is about cooking (cream, egg whites), it means 'to stir quickly'.
Der starke Wind peitschte die Wellen an die Küste.
The strong wind lashed the waves against the coast.
In the weather meaning, the subject is always an element such as 'der Regen' (the rain), 'der Wind' (the wind), or 'die Wellen' (the waves). The preposition 'gegen' + accusative is often used to name the target.
Hagel peitschte mit voller Wucht gegen das Autodach.
Hail lashed against the car roof with full force.
In cooking contexts, the typical objects are 'Sahne' (cream) or 'Eiweiß' (egg white). An adjective is often added to describe the result, e.g. 'steif peitschen' (to whisk until stiff) or 'schaumig peitschen' (to whisk until foamy).
Die Eier mit dem Zucker schaumig peitschen.
Whisk the eggs with the sugar until foamy.
to hit / beat
When preparing cream or egg whites, both „schlagen“ and „peitschen“ are possible. „Schlagen“ is the neutral and usual standard choice, while „peitschen“ places more emphasis on the vigorous, rapid movement. „Schlagen“ is usually appropriate for a normal cooking instruction; „peitschen“ can fit when the movement is being emphasized.
Peitschen Sie die Sahne kräftig, bis sie fest ist.
Whisk the cream vigorously until it is stiff.
Schlagen Sie die Sahne, bis sie fest ist.
Beat the cream until it is stiff.
