German word

streifen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtʁaɪ̯fən/

Meaning

  • verbbrush against

Example

Er streift beim Ausparken den Pfosten.

He brushes against the post while backing out.

Illustration for streifen (brush against)

More examples

Eine leichte Brise streifte ihr Gesicht auf dem Balkon.

A light breeze brushed her face on the balcony.

Core concept

Something moves lightly along a surface or edge, leaving only a faint mark, while a person can also range lightly through an area.

Common phrases

  • an jemandem streifen

    brush against someone

  • die Haut streifen

    brush the skin

Similar words

berühren: Touch something softly so that its texture or presence can be felt.
antippen: Touch something briefly with a finger to prompt a response or send a signal.
anfassen: Place a hand on something to touch, grasp, or handle it.

Definition in German

mit der Oberfläche kurz in Kontakt kommen, ohne festen Druck auszuüben; oft nur eine geringe Beschädigung hinterlassen

Word origin

German streifen comes from Middle High German strîfen and is an inherited Germanic verb for moving or rubbing lightly along something.

Usage tips

  • With contact, an etwas streifen takes a dative object, whereas etwas streifen takes an accusative object when something is brushed directly.

Other meanings

  • wander aroundverb
  • skim pastverb

Related words

  • das Streifenmusterstriped patternnoun

Word lists with this word