schwenken
to wave
To hold something in your hand and move it repeatedly back and forth or in a circle.
EXAMPLE
Die Fans schwenkten begeistert ihre Fahnen.
The fans enthusiastically waved their flags.
schwenken
to wave / pan / toss
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Meanings
schwenken
to pan
To rotate a device or object around an axis without changing one's own position.
EXAMPLE
Der Kameramann schwenkte langsam über die jubelnde Menge.
The cameraman slowly panned across the cheering crowd.
schwenken
to toss
To turn and cook food in a pan with hot fat using quick, shaking movements.
EXAMPLE
Für das perfekte Aroma schwenkte er den Knoblauch kurz in Olivenöl.
For the perfect aroma, he briefly tossed the garlic in olive oil.
schwenken
to wheel
As a group or formation, to carry out an orderly turn or change of direction.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten schwenkten auf Kommando nach links.
The soldiers wheeled to the left on command.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schwenken' (to wave/pan/toss) is related to 'schwanken' (to sway, to stagger). Both words describe a swinging movement. The difference is that with 'schwenken', a person or a force actively moves something.
EXAMPLE
Er schwenkte die Weinflasche, bevor er sie öffnete.
He swirled the wine bottle before opening it.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'to move something in your hand', 'schwenken' is often connected with objects that people move at celebrations or as a greeting. Typical examples are: 'Fahnen schwenken' (to wave flags), 'den Hut schwenken' (to wave one's hat), or 'ein Taschentuch schwenken' (to wave a handkerchief).
EXAMPLE
Zum Abschied schwenkte sie ihr weißes Taschentuch.
As a farewell, she waved her white handkerchief.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning from the fact that technical devices are often the object. Typical examples are a camera, a crane, or a spotlight that rotates around an axis.
EXAMPLE
Der Kranführer schwenkte die schwere Last vorsichtig zur Seite.
The crane operator carefully swung the heavy load to the side.
Use in cooking
In the context of cooking, 'schwenken' is almost always used with a preposition such as 'in' or 'durch'. You toss something in butter, in oil, or through a sauce.
EXAMPLE
Die Nudeln werden nach dem Kochen kurz in Salbeibutter geschwenkt.
After cooking, the noodles are briefly tossed in sage butter.
Context clue
This meaning refers to the orderly movement of a group. The subject is therefore typically a formation, for example soldiers, a dance group, or a company.
EXAMPLE
Die Garde schwenkte im Gleichschritt um die Ecke.
The guard wheeled around the corner in step.
Compare with
schwenken vs drehen
to turn / film
Both words can describe a device moving around an axis. Drehen is the more general word for rotation or a change of direction, while schwenken emphasizes movement around a fixed axis while remaining in the same location. Drehen works for a simple change of direction; schwenken is often used for this kind of panning movement.
schwenken
Der Kameramann schwenkt die Kamera nach links.
The cameraman pans the camera to the left.
drehen
Der Kameramann dreht die Kamera nach links.
The cameraman turns the camera to the left.
In real life
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