to scatter / spread
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to scatter
To distribute small things, such as powder, seeds, or sand, over a surface.
Im Winter müssen die Straßenwärter bei Glatteis Salz streuen.
In winter, road maintenance workers have to scatter salt when there is black ice.
The verb 'streuen' (to scatter/spread) is often used with an accusative object that indicates what is being distributed. With a preposition like 'auf' (onto) or 'über' (over) (+ accusative), you can indicate the place or surface.
Die Kinder streuen Brotkrumen für die Vögel auf den Boden.
The children scatter breadcrumbs for the birds on the ground.
In its literal meaning, 'streuen' (to scatter/sprinkle) is often used with small, loose materials. Typical combinations are: 'Salz streuen' (to scatter salt), 'Zucker streuen' (to sprinkle sugar), 'Samen streuen' (to sow/scatter seeds), or 'Blumen streuen' (to scatter flowers).
Für den Salat streue ich noch ein paar Kräuter darüber.
For the salad, I'll sprinkle a few more herbs over it.
In a figurative sense, 'streuen' (to spread) is used for spreading immaterial things. Common combinations are 'Gerüchte streuen' (to spread rumors), 'Informationen streuen' (to spread information), or 'Zweifel streuen' (to sow doubt), and they often have a negative connotation.
Die Opposition versuchte, gezielt Falschinformationen zu streuen.
The opposition tried to deliberately spread false information.
In physics, 'streuen' (to scatter) describes the deflection of light or particles. In this context, the subject is often an object that causes the scattering.
Der Nebel streut das Licht der Autoscheinwerfer.
The fog scatters the light from the car headlights.
to spread
'verbreiten' and 'streuen' can both mean that information, rumors, or ideas are passed on. 'verbreiten' is more general and more neutral: a piece of news reaches many people. 'streuen' often sounds more deliberate or more uncontrolled, especially with rumors or certain pieces of information. It can suggest that someone places the information in various places. For ordinary news, 'verbreiten' usually fits better; with rumors or targeted hints, 'streuen' may sound more natural.
Jemand hat im Büro Gerüchte über die neue Chefin gestreut.
Someone spread rumors in the office about the new boss.
Der Kunde verbreitet die gute Nachricht über die Reise in der ganzen Gruppe.
The customer spreads the good news about the trip throughout the whole group.