01
sprühen
to spray
To atomize and distribute a liquid in the form of fine droplets.
example
Sie sprühte sich Parfüm auf das Handgelenk.
She sprayed perfume on her wrist.
sprühen
to spray
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'sprühen' (to spray) becomes clear through the object or complement. If you spray a liquid (water, paint), the literal meaning is intended. If 'Funken' (sparks) are sprayed, it is about fire or electricity. If the verb appears with 'vor' and a feeling, it is a figurative description.
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner sprüht Wasser auf die Pflanzen.
The gardener sprays water on the plants.
Sentence structure with 'auf'
When you spray a liquid onto a surface, use the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative. The pattern is: etwas auf etwas sprühen (to spray something onto something).
EXAMPLE
Er sprühte den Lack gleichmäßig auf das Holz.
He sprayed the varnish evenly onto the wood.
Typical collocation
In the meaning 'to emit sparks', the most common combination is 'Funken sprühen' (to spray sparks). This can refer to a fire, a grinding machine, or even a short circuit.
EXAMPLE
Als das Metall auf den Stein traf, sprühten Funken.
When the metal hit the stone, sparks sprayed.
Fixed expression with 'vor'
The figurative meaning is almost always formed with the preposition 'vor' and a noun in the dative that expresses a feeling or quality. The pattern is: vor + [feeling in the dative] + sprühen.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder sprühten vor Freude, als sie die Geschenke sahen.
The children radiated joy when they saw the presents.
Compare with
sprühen vs spritzen
to inject / spray
'spritzen' and 'sprühen' can both describe a liquid being distributed. 'spritzen' can mean a stronger stream, or more generally that liquid suddenly comes out of something or gets onto something. 'sprühen' more specifically means many fine droplets, for example from a spray bottle or can. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit with water, perfume, cleaning products, or paint. When the liquid is finely distributed, 'sprühen' is usually more precise. When it is about a stream, splashes, or a coarser movement, 'spritzen' fits better.
sprühen
Vor dem Bügeln sprüht Lena etwas Wasser auf das Hemd.
Before ironing, Lena sprays a little water onto the shirt.
spritzen
Beim Abwaschen spritzt Wasser auf den Boden.
While washing the dishes, water splashes onto the floor.
In real life
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