01
schöpfen
to scoop
To take a liquid or a mushy mass out of a larger amount with a vessel (e.g., ladle, cup) or with the hands.
example
Sie schöpfte eine Kelle Suppe aus dem großen Topf.
She scooped a ladleful of soup out of the large pot.
schöpfen
to scoop / draw
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schöpfen' (to scoop/draw/create) is the root for the words 'der Schöpfer' (creator) and 'die Schöpfung' (creation). This especially emphasizes the meaning of creative creation.
EXAMPLE
Viele Religionen haben eine Geschichte über die Schöpfung der Welt.
Many religions have a story about the creation of the world.
Sentence structure and use
In its literal meaning, 'schöpfen' (to scoop) is often used with the preposition 'aus' (from/out of) to name the source. The pattern is: etwas aus etwas schöpfen (to scoop something out of something).
EXAMPLE
Er schöpfte mit den Händen Wasser aus dem Bach.
He scooped water out of the stream with his hands.
Typical collocations
The figurative meaning is almost always used in fixed combinations. The most common are: Mut schöpfen (to draw courage), Hoffnung schöpfen (to draw hope), Kraft schöpfen (to draw strength), and Inspiration schöpfen (to draw inspiration).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Winter schöpfen die Menschen im Frühling neue Kraft.
After the long winter, people draw new strength in spring.
Fixed expression
The combination 'Verdacht schöpfen' (to become suspicious) is a fixed idiom. It means that you begin to become suspicious. 'Schöpfen' is not combined with other nouns in this sense.
EXAMPLE
Als niemand zu Hause war, obwohl Licht brannte, schöpfte die Nachbarin Verdacht.
When no one was home even though the lights were on, the neighbor became suspicious.
Register and style
In the meaning 'erschaffen' (to create), 'schöpfen' belongs to an elevated, often literary or philosophical style of language. It is used for artistic or intellectual achievements.
EXAMPLE
Der Komponist schöpft seine Ideen aus der Stille der Natur.
The composer creates his ideas from the silence of nature.
Compare with
schöpfen vs schaffen
to manage / create
'schaffen' and 'schöpfen' can both mean that something new comes into being. In this sense, 'schaffen' is the normal word for producing or creating something, for example with art, ideas, or new possibilities. 'schöpfen' is more elevated and rarer in this creative meaning. It sounds more literary or very deliberately phrased. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with creativity. In everyday language, people usually say 'schaffen'; 'schöpfen' fits more when you want to emphasize a special intellectual or artistic achievement.
schöpfen
Aus ihren Erinnerungen schöpft die Autorin viele Ideen für den Roman.
The author draws many ideas for the novel from her memories.
schaffen
Die Stadt will neue Plätze für Kinder und Familien schaffen.
The city wants to create new spaces for children and families.
In real life
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