01
umdrehen
to turn over
To turn or flip something onto the other side.
example
Du musst das Steak in der Pfanne umdrehen, damit es von beiden Seiten gar wird.
You need to turn the steak over in the pan so that it cooks on both sides.
umdrehen
to turn over / turn around
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Umdrehen' (to turn over / turn around) is a separable verb. The prefix 'um' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er dreht den Pfannkuchen geschickt um.
He skillfully turns the pancake over.
Context clues
The exact meaning often depends on the object. With an accusative object, it means 'wenden' (to turn over / flip). Reflexively ('sich'), it means to turn the body. Without an object, it usually means 'zurückkehren' (to return / turn back).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte die Seite im Buch umdrehen?
Can you please turn the page in the book?
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'wenden' (to turn over / flip), 'umdrehen' is often used with flat objects or things with two sides. Typical phrases are: 'eine Münze umdrehen' (to turn over a coin), 'eine Karte umdrehen' (to turn over a card), or 'den Schlüssel im Schloss umdrehen' (to turn the key in the lock).
EXAMPLE
Er drehte die Münze um, um das Ergebnis zu sehen.
He turned the coin over to see the result.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem das Wort im Mund umdrehen' (to twist someone's words) is a fixed unit. The person whose words are being distorted is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
In Diskussionen neigt er dazu, anderen das Wort im Mund umzudrehen.
In discussions, he tends to twist other people's words.
Compare with
umdrehen vs drehen
to turn / film
'drehen' and 'umdrehen' both describe a movement in a different direction. 'drehen' is more general: something moves around an axis or around a central point, without a clear result necessarily being important. 'umdrehen' usually means that afterward the other side or the other direction matters. You can 'ein Blatt umdrehen' (turn a sheet of paper over) so that you can see the back. A person 'dreht sich um' when they look behind them. You can also 'umdrehen' on a path and go back. Learners easily confuse the words because both describe a turning movement. As a guide: 'umdrehen' often has the goal of 'the other way around' or 'back'.
umdrehen
Bitte dreh das Blatt um, auf der Rückseite steht die Adresse.
Please turn the sheet over; the address is on the back.
drehen
Max dreht den Kopf, weil er ein Geräusch hört.
Max turns his head because he hears a noise.
In real life
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