Polyglot Dictionary

schleifen

/ˈʃlaɪ̯fn̩/

verb B2

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: schleift
past: schliff/schleifte
perfect: hat geschliffen/geschleift

Meaning

to grind, to sharpen, to polish
- Er schliff das Messer, bis es scharf war.
  
  He sharpened the knife until it was sharp.
- Der Koch schleift das Messer vor jedem Einsatz. So schneidet es perfekt.
  
  The cook sharpens the knife before each use. That way it cuts perfectly.
to drag (along the ground)
- Sie schleifte den schweren Koffer über den Boden.
  
  She dragged the heavy suitcase across the floor.
- Sie schleifte den schweren Sack über den Hof. Er hinterließ eine Spur im Staub.
  
  She dragged the heavy sack across the yard. It left a track in the dust.

Practice

1 What does schleifen mean?

2 Fill the gap: Er ___ das Messer, bis es scharf war.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches schleifen?

verbirregular

Last updated 2026-09-21