01
trüben
to cloud
To make a clear liquid opaque or unclear.
example
Der aufgewirbelte Sand trübte das klare Wasser des Sees.
The stirred-up sand clouded the clear water of the lake.
trüben
to cloud / to spoil
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'trüben' (to cloud/to spoil) is closely related to the adjective 'trüb' (cloudy, murky, gloomy). When something 'sich trübt' (becomes cloudy), it becomes 'trüb' (unclear, cloudy, gloomy).
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser wurde nach dem Sturm ganz trüb.
The water became completely murky after the storm.
Context clues
The subject or object reveals the meaning. If it is about liquids ('Wasser' = water), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract nouns ('Stimmung' = mood, 'Freude' = joy), the figurative meaning is intended. With 'Himmel' (sky) or 'Blick' (gaze), the reflexive form is used.
EXAMPLE
Ein Löffel Mehl trübt die klare Suppe.
A spoonful of flour clouds the clear soup.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'trüben' (to spoil) is often used with abstract nouns such as 'die Stimmung' (the mood), 'die Freude' (the joy), 'die Beziehung' (the relationship), or 'die Aussichten' (the prospects).
EXAMPLE
Der Regen konnte unsere gute Stimmung nicht trüben.
The rain could not spoil our good mood.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich trüben' (to become cloudy/to cloud over) is often used for the weather or facial expression. It describes a process of becoming unclear or gloomy.
EXAMPLE
Der Himmel trübte sich und die Sonne verschwand.
The sky became cloudy and the sun disappeared.
Compare with
trüben vs klären
to clarify
'klären' and 'trüben' form a clear contrast with liquids. 'klären' means that a cloudy liquid becomes transparent or cleaner. 'trüben' means that a clear liquid becomes unclear or opaque. So the difference lies in the direction: with 'klären', something becomes clearer; with 'trüben', something becomes less clear.
trüben
Ein bisschen Milch trübt das klare Wasser sofort.
A little milk immediately clouds the clear water.
klären
Nach einiger Zeit klärt sich der Apfelsaft im Glas.
After some time, the apple juice in the glass clears.
In real life
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