01
schälen
to peel
To remove the outer layer or skin from fruit, vegetables, or eggs.
example
Für das Kartoffelpüree muss man zuerst die Kartoffeln schälen.
For the mashed potatoes, you first have to peel the potatoes.
schälen
to peel
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schälen' (to peel) is closely related to the noun 'die Schale' (the peel/shell). 'Schälen' literally means to remove the peel or shell from something.
EXAMPLE
Die Schale dieser Orange ist sehr dick.
The peel of this orange is very thick.
Transitive vs. reflexive
This verb has two important grammatical patterns. When a person peels something, it is transitive (someone peels something). When skin comes off, it is reflexive (something peels).
EXAMPLE
Ich schäle gerade die Äpfel für den Kuchen.
I'm peeling the apples for the cake right now.
Typical objects
In the meaning of 'removing the outer layer', 'schälen' (to peel) is almost always used with fruit, vegetables, or eggs. Typical objects are 'Kartoffeln' (potatoes), 'Äpfel' (apples), 'Gurken' (cucumbers), 'Spargel' (asparagus), or 'gekochte Eier' (boiled eggs).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir helfen, den Spargel zu schälen?
Can you help me peel the asparagus?
Context for 'sich schälen'
The reflexive form 'sich schälen' (to peel) is used almost exclusively for human or animal skin. The most common context is skin peeling after a sunburn.
EXAMPLE
Creme dich gut ein, damit deine Haut sich nicht schält.
Put on plenty of cream so your skin doesn't peel.
Compare with
schälen vs putzen
to clean
'putzen' and 'schälen' can both come up when preparing fruit or vegetables. But they do not mean the same thing. 'schälen' means to remove the outer peel or skin, for example from potatoes, apples, or eggs. With vegetables, 'putzen' means more like preparing them and removing unwanted parts, such as soil, roots, wilted leaves, or tough ends. Learners may confuse the words because both are used in the kitchen. If the peel or skin is removed, you say 'schälen'; if you are cleaning something or removing bad parts, you say 'putzen'.
schälen
Für die Suppe schält Maria die Kartoffeln und schneidet sie klein.
For the soup, Maria peels the potatoes and cuts them into small pieces.
putzen
Vor dem Kochen putzt Ali den Salat und entfernt die welken Blätter.
Before cooking, Ali prepares the lettuce and removes the wilted leaves.
In real life
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