to screw
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to screw
To fasten, loosen, or connect something using a screw. This is done through a turning motion that uses the screw's thread.
Ich muss nur noch die letzte Leiste an die Wand schrauben, dann ist das Regal fertig.
I just have to screw the last strip to the wall, and then the shelf is finished.
The verb 'schrauben' (to screw) is directly derived from the noun 'die Schraube' (the screw). The typical turning motion you make with a screw is the core meaning of the verb.
Er nahm einen Schraubenzieher, um die Schraube festzuziehen.
He took a screwdriver to tighten the screw.
When you fasten something to a place, you use 'an' + accusative for the direction (where to?). When you are working on something that is already attached, you use 'an' + dative (where?).
Er schraubt das neue Schild an die Tür.
He screws the new sign onto the door.
In the colloquial meaning 'an etwas arbeiten/tüfteln' (to work on/tinker with something), 'schrauben' is always used with the preposition 'an' and the dative. The object being worked on is in the dative.
Sie schraubt schon seit Stunden an ihrem Fahrrad.
She has been tinkering with her bicycle for hours.
The expression 'an etwas schrauben' in the sense of 'an etwas arbeiten' (to work on something) or 'etwas reparieren' (to repair something) is colloquial. In a formal text, you would more likely use 'reparieren' (to repair), 'warten' (to service/maintain), or 'optimieren' (to optimize).
Am Wochenende schraube ich gerne an meinem alten Computer.
On the weekend, I like tinkering with my old computer.
to turn / film
'drehen' and 'schrauben' both have to do with a turning motion. 'drehen' is more general: you can turn a key, a knob, your head, or yourself. 'schrauben' is used when a screw or a thread is involved, for example when fastening a screw or opening a lid. Learners may confuse the words because when you 'schrauben', you also turn something. But not every turning motion is 'schrauben'. If a thread or a screw is important, 'schrauben' fits; otherwise, it is usually 'drehen'.
Max schraubt den Deckel der Flasche wieder fest zu.
Max screws the bottle cap back on tightly.
Lisa dreht den Schlüssel langsam im Schloss.
Lisa slowly turns the key in the lock.