German word

kirnen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɪɐ̯nən/

Meaning

  • verbchurn

Example

Auf dem Hof kirnt er oft die Sahne.

On the farm, he often churns the cream.

Illustration for kirnen (churn)

More examples

Auf dem Markt fragte sie: „Soll ich Butter kirnen oder fertige kaufen?“

At the market, she asked, "Should I churn butter or buy it ready-made?"

Core concept

A churn working cream into butter while the remaining liquid drains away.

Common phrases

  • Butter kirnen oder kaufen

    churn butter or buy it

  • frische Sahne kirnen

    churn fresh cream

Similar words

schlagen: Whip liquid or cream quickly so it takes in air and becomes foamy.
rühren: Mix liquid or ingredients by stirring until they are evenly combined.
trennen: Divide a mixed substance into separate components.
buttern: Apply butter across bread or a similar food.

Definition in German

Sahne so lange schlagen oder rühren, dass sich Butter von Buttermilch trennt.

Word origin

Kirnen developed from Kirne or Kirn, an older German term for a churn, by adding the common verbal ending -en.

Usage tips

  • Kirnen is a specialized word for making butter and is distinct from the broader verb rühren, which means to stir.

Opposites

Related words

  • kirnendchurningadjective

Word lists with this word