01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
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
'drehen' and 'schwenken' both describe a movement to the side or in a circle. 'drehen' is more general and means a movement around an axis or a central point. 'schwenken' is often used when you move something back and forth or in an arc, for example a flag, a camera, or a lamp. The object changes direction, but you do not necessarily move it away from its position. Learners may confuse the words because both can involve a circular movement. 'drehen' fits the rotation itself, while 'schwenken' is more suitable for a guided movement in a new direction.
schwenken
Die Kamerafrau schwenkt die Kamera langsam zur Bühne.
The camera operator slowly pans the camera toward the stage.
drehen
Zu Hause dreht Tom den Knopf am Herd nach links.
At home, Tom turns the knob on the stove to the left.
In real life
Loading video examples...