01
zuziehen
to draw closed
To close something by pulling, for example curtains, a noose, or a zipper.
example
Zieh bitte die Vorhänge zu, die Sonne blendet.
Please draw the curtains closed; the sun is glaring.
zuziehen
to draw closed / move in
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Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zuziehen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Es wird kalt, zieh bitte die Jacke zu!
It's getting cold; please zip up the jacket!
Reflexive dative construction
In the meaning 'sich eine Krankheit/Verletzung holen' (to get an illness/injury), the verb is used reflexively with the dative: 'sich (dative) etwas (accusative) zuziehen'. The dative pronoun shows who experiences the consequence.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir beim Wandern eine Erkältung zugezogen.
I caught a cold while hiking.
Context clue: weather
When the verb is reflexive and the subject is 'der Himmel' (the sky), 'sich zuziehen' means that clouds are gathering and the weather is getting worse.
EXAMPLE
Der Himmel hat sich plötzlich zugezogen und es begann zu regnen.
The sky suddenly clouded over and it began to rain.
Typical objects
In the meaning 'schliessen' (to close), the objects are typically things that can be closed by pulling, for example 'die Vorhänge' (the curtains), 'den Reissverschluss' (the zipper), or 'eine Schlinge' (a noose/loop).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Reissverschluss an meinem Kleid zuziehen?
Can you please zip up the zipper on my dress?
Context clue: experts
When a person is used as the object, 'zuziehen' means that you ask this person for advice or help. Usually these are experts such as 'einen Arzt' (a doctor), 'einen Anwalt' (a lawyer), or 'einen Spezialisten' (a specialist).
EXAMPLE
Bei rechtlichen Fragen sollten Sie immer einen Anwalt zuziehen.
For legal questions, you should always consult a lawyer.
Compare with
zuziehen vs bekommen
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'sich zuziehen' can both be used for illnesses or injuries. 'bekommen' is the simpler and more general word: you can 'bekommen' a fever, a headache, or a cold. 'sich etwas zuziehen' sounds somewhat more formal and is used especially for injuries or illnesses that result from a situation, for example in an accident, during sports, or because of the cold. The words can be confused because both describe the development of a bad physical condition. In everyday language, 'bekommen' is often more natural; 'sich etwas zuziehen' is more precise when you see the injury or illness as the result of an event.
zuziehen
Beim Training hat sich Max eine Verletzung am Knie zugezogen.
Max sustained a knee injury during training.
bekommen
Zu Hause hat sie am Abend plötzlich starke Kopfschmerzen bekommen.
At home that evening, she suddenly got a severe headache.
In real life
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