01
zaubern
to conjure
To perform magical actions or tricks in order to seemingly cause something supernatural to happen.
example
Der Magier zauberte ein Kaninchen aus seinem Zylinder.
The magician conjured a rabbit out of his top hat.
zaubern
to conjure / create
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'zaubern' (to conjure) belongs to the word family of 'der Zauber' (magic) and 'der Zauberer' (the magician, the person who does magic). If you know these words, the meaning is easier to understand.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder waren vom Zauber des Moments fasziniert.
The children were fascinated by the magic of the moment.
Sentence structure with 'aus'
In the literal meaning, the origin of what is conjured is often given with the preposition 'aus' (out of/from) and the dative. The structure is: [something] aus [something] zaubern.
EXAMPLE
Der Zauberer zauberte eine Münze aus dem Ohr des Kindes.
The magician conjured a coin out of the child's ear.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'zaubern' (to create as if by magic) is often used for creative or quick achievements. Typical phrases are 'ein Lächeln ins Gesicht zaubern' (to put a smile on someone's face) or 'ein köstliches Essen zaubern' (to whip up a delicious meal).
EXAMPLE
Mit ein paar einfachen Zutaten zauberte er eine leckere Suppe.
With a few simple ingredients, he created a tasty soup.
Compare with
zaubern vs erschaffen
to create
'erschaffen' and 'zaubern' can both mean that something comes into being or is produced. 'erschaffen' sounds bigger and more serious. It is often used for art, ideas, worlds, or something truly new and significant. In this meaning, 'zaubern' is figurative: someone makes something quickly, easily, and impressively, almost as if by magic. For a major work, 'erschaffen' fits better. For a surprisingly good meal, a quick solution, or a pleasant atmosphere, 'zaubern' sounds more natural.
zaubern
Mara zaubert aus wenigen Zutaten ein warmes Abendessen.
Mara creates a warm dinner from just a few ingredients.
erschaffen
Die Autorin erschafft in ihrem Buch eine ganz eigene Welt.
The author creates a world entirely her own in her book.
In real life
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