spitzen
to sharpen
To sharpen something, usually a pencil, so that it gets a fine point.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte den Bleistift spitzen?
Can you please sharpen the pencil for me?
spitzen
to sharpen
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Meanings
die Ohren spitzen
to prick up one's ears
To listen very attentively and with concentration because you expect something interesting or important.
EXAMPLE
Als die Kinder das Geräusch des Eiswagens hörten, spitzten sie sofort die Ohren.
When the children heard the sound of the ice cream truck, they immediately pricked up their ears.
den Mund spitzen
to purse one's lips
To form the lips into a small circle, for example to whistle, kiss, or express skepticism.
EXAMPLE
Er spitzte den Mund und pfiff eine fröhliche Melodie.
He pursed his lips and whistled a cheerful tune.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'spitzen' (to sharpen / to make pointed) is derived from the noun 'die Spitze' (the point / tip). It describes the action of making something pointed or taking on a pointed shape.
EXAMPLE
Die Spitze des Turms ragte in den Himmel.
The tip of the tower rose into the sky.
Context clue
The meaning of 'spitzen' becomes clear through the object in the sentence. You can 'spitzt' a pencil, the ears, or the mouth—each combination has its own fixed meaning.
EXAMPLE
Spitz bitte den Stift, er schreibt nicht mehr gut.
Please sharpen the pencil; it doesn't write well anymore.
Typical objects
In the literal meaning, 'spitzen' (to sharpen) is used almost exclusively for pencils. Typical objects are 'Bleistifte' (pencils) or 'Buntstifte' (colored pencils). The appropriate tool for this is called 'der Spitzer' (the sharpener).
EXAMPLE
Für die Zeichnung musste ich alle meine Buntstifte spitzen.
For the drawing, I had to sharpen all my colored pencils.
Fixed expression
The expression 'die Ohren spitzen' (to prick up one's ears) is a fixed unit. It means that someone suddenly listens very attentively, often because they hear something unexpected or interesting.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund spitzte die Ohren, als er den Schlüssel in der Tür hörte.
The dog pricked up its ears when it heard the key in the door.
Fixed expression
'den Mund spitzen' (to purse one's lips) is also a fixed expression. It describes the physical action of forming the lips into a round shape, typically to whistle, make a kissing mouth, or express doubt.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind spitzte den Mund, weil es das Gemüse nicht essen wollte.
The child pursed his lips because he didn't want to eat the vegetables.
Compare with
spitzen vs schärfen
to sharpen
Schärfen means making an object, especially a blade, sharp or pointed enough to cut again. Spitzen is usually used for a pencil that is to be given a fine point. So you schärft a knife, but spitzt a pencil.
spitzen
Vor dem Zeichnen spitzt die Künstlerin ihren Bleistift.
Before drawing, the artist sharpens her pencil.
schärfen
Vor dem Zeichnen schärft die Künstlerin ihr kleines Messer.
Before drawing, the artist sharpens her small knife.
In real life
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