to press
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to press
To apply strong, even pressure to something, often in order to extract a liquid or shape something.
Für den frischen Saft müssen wir die Orangen kräftig pressen.
For the fresh juice, we have to press the oranges firmly.
The verb 'pressen' (to press) is closely connected with the noun 'der Druck' (pressure). The basic idea is always to achieve an effect through pressure.
Unter hohem Druck wird das Material in die richtige Form gepresst.
Under high pressure, the material is pressed into the right shape.
When something is forced into a tight space, the structure 'etwas in einen Ort (Akkusativ) pressen' (to press/squeeze something into a place, accusative) is often used.
Ich habe es geschafft, alle Bücher in den kleinen Karton zu pressen.
I managed to squeeze all the books into the small box.
The verb can be used reflexively: 'sich pressen' (to press oneself). It is often followed by a preposition such as 'an' (against/to), 'gegen' (against), or 'durch' (through) to describe the direction or point of contact.
Das Kind presste sich ängstlich an seine Mutter.
The child pressed itself anxiously against its mother.
To extract a liquid, 'pressen' (to press) is often combined with fruit or plants. Typical phrases are: 'Saft pressen' (to press juice), 'Orangen pressen' (to press oranges), 'Öl pressen' (to press oil), or 'Knoblauch pressen' (to press garlic).
Wir haben die Trauben selbst gepresst, um Wein zu machen.
We pressed the grapes ourselves to make wine.
In the context of industrial production, 'pressen' means that something is mechanically pressed into a shape. Typical objects are 'CDs' (CDs), 'Schallplatten' (records), or 'Autoteile' (car parts).
Diese Firma presst Metallteile für die Automobilindustrie.
This company presses metal parts for the automotive industry.
to press / hug
'drücken' and 'pressen' both have to do with pressure. 'drücken' is the normal word for a deliberate movement with your hand or finger, for example on a button. 'pressen' means stronger and often even pressure. You use 'pressen' when you want to get liquid out, shape something, or force something into a tight space. Learners may confuse the words because both describe force directed inward or downward. A simple rule is: for buttons and keys, use 'drücken'; when strong force or a tight space is involved, 'pressen' often fits.
Der Koch presst frische Orangen für den Saft.
The cook presses fresh oranges for the juice.
Sie hat im Zug den Knopf für die Tür gedrückt.
On the train, she pressed the button for the door.