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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

Bürste

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Bürste en 30 secondes

Explication Bürste in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Bürste' is introduced as a basic noun related to daily routines. You learn it primarily in the context of 'Zahnbürste' (toothbrush) and 'Haarbürste' (hairbrush). At this stage, you focus on the gender (die Bürste) and the plural (die Bürsten). You will use it in simple sentences like 'Ich brauche eine Bürste' or 'Wo ist meine Bürste?'. The focus is on identifying the object and expressing basic needs. You might also learn the verb 'bürsten' in its simplest form: 'Ich bürste meine Haare'. The goal is to survive a morning routine in a German-speaking environment. You don't need to know the technical types of brushes yet, just the ones you use on your body every day. Understanding that 'Bürste' ends in '-e' and is feminine is a key grammatical milestone for A1 learners. You will also see it in picture dictionaries and basic vocabulary lists for house and home.

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At the A2 level, your use of 'Bürste' expands into the household and cleaning categories. You start to learn compound words like 'Spülbürste' (dish brush) and 'Klobürste' (toilet brush). You are expected to use 'Bürste' in different cases, particularly the accusative and dative. For example, 'Ich putze das Bad mit einer Bürste' (dative) or 'Kauf bitte eine neue Spülbürste' (accusative). You also begin to understand the difference between a 'Bürste' and a 'Kamm' or 'Besen'. The vocabulary becomes more functional, allowing you to describe chores or shopping lists. You might also encounter the word in simple instructions, such as 'Bürsten Sie den Schmutz ab'. At A2, you are becoming more comfortable with the 'ü' sound and can distinguish it from 'u' in speech. You also learn that compound nouns take the gender of the last word, making all types of Bürsten feminine.

By B1, you can use 'Bürste' in more descriptive and varied contexts. You might talk about the material of the brush, such as 'eine Bürste mit Naturborsten' (a brush with natural bristles). You can explain why you prefer a certain type of brush for a specific task. You will also encounter the word in more professional or hobby-related contexts, like 'Drahtbürste' (wire brush) for DIY projects or 'Schuhbürste' for leather care. B1 learners should be able to follow more complex instructions involving the word, such as 'Verwenden Sie eine weiche Bürste, um die Oberfläche nicht zu beschädigen'. You also start to recognize the word in slightly more formal or technical texts, such as product descriptions or manuals. Your ability to form complex sentences with 'Bürste' improves, using subordinate clauses: 'Ich suche eine Bürste, die besonders weich ist'.

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At the B2 level, you begin to understand the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of 'Bürste'. You might encounter the phrase 'jemanden gegen den Strich bürsten' (to rub someone the wrong way) in literature or advanced conversation. You can discuss the nuances between 'bürsten', 'striegeln', and 'schrubben'. Your vocabulary includes specialized brushes like 'Massagebürste' or 'Polierbürste'. You can participate in discussions about quality and sustainability, perhaps debating the merits of plastic versus wooden Bürsten. At this level, you should be able to use the word fluently in any case and with any preposition without hesitation. You also understand the cultural nuances, such as why certain Bürsten are found in every German household. Your pronunciation of the 'ü' should be near-perfect, and you can easily switch between the noun and the verb 'bürsten' in various tenses.

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At C1, 'Bürste' is a word you use with total precision and stylistic awareness. You might encounter it in historical texts describing the brush-making industry in Germany or in technical manuals for industrial machinery. You understand the etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You can use 'Bürste' in highly abstract or literary ways. For example, you might read a description of a 'bürstig' character (someone who is prickly or stubborn). You are aware of regional variations in terminology and can appreciate the linguistic richness of compound formations. In a professional setting, such as a manufacturing context, you could discuss the 'Bürstenfeuerung' (brush firing) or other technical terms. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of register, from colloquial slang to formal technical language.

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At the C2 level, you have a mastery of 'Bürste' that includes its most obscure uses and cultural references. You might analyze the word's role in German idioms within a linguistic study or appreciate its use in avant-garde poetry. You are familiar with the 'Bürstenbinder' (brush maker) as a historical profession and its appearance in proverbs like 'trinken wie ein Bürstenbinder' (to drink like a fish). You can discuss the evolution of the word from Old High German 'burstia' and its cognates in other languages. At this level, the word is just one small part of a vast, interconnected web of language that you navigate with ease. You can use 'Bürste' to create puns, double entendres, or complex metaphors. Your understanding is both deep and broad, encompassing the physical tool, the linguistic structure, and the cultural history it represents.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Bürste en 30 secondes

Bürste is a feminine German noun meaning 'brush', used for grooming hair, cleaning teeth, or scrubbing various surfaces in the home and industry.
It is the base for many common compound words like Zahnbürste (toothbrush) and Haarbürste (hairbrush), always retaining its feminine gender (die).
The word is distinguished from 'Pinsel' (paintbrush/makeup brush) and 'Besen' (broom) based on the stiffness of bristles and the intended use.
Pronunciation of the 'ü' is critical for clarity, and it appears in idioms like 'gegen den Strich bürsten' (to annoy someone).

The German noun die Bürste is a fundamental term that every learner should master early in their journey. At its core, a Bürste refers to a tool consisting of a handle or a back with bristles (Borsten) attached to it, used for cleaning, grooming, or smoothing surfaces. While the English translation is simply 'brush', the German language often uses this word as a base for many specific compound nouns that define the tool's exact purpose. In daily life, you will encounter this word from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. It is an essential part of personal hygiene, household maintenance, and even industrial processes. Whether you are talking about grooming your hair, cleaning your shoes, or scrubbing a kitchen floor, the concept of the Bürste is omnipresent.

Personal Hygiene: In the context of personal care, the most common variations are the Haarbürste (hairbrush) and the Zahnbürste (toothbrush). Germans take dental hygiene very seriously, and the term Zahnbürste is one of the first compound words learners encounter.

Ich muss mir eine neue Bürste für meine Haare kaufen, da die alte kaputt ist.

Beyond the bathroom, Bürsten are vital for cleaning. A Spülbürste is used for washing dishes, a Schuhbürste for polishing leather shoes, and a Kleiderbürste for removing lint from clothes. In a more industrial or hardware context, you might hear about a Drahtbürste (wire brush) used to remove rust from metal. The versatility of the word lies in its ability to combine with almost any noun representing the object being cleaned or the material of the bristles. For instance, a Wildschweinborstenbürste (boar bristle brush) is a high-quality item often discussed in German hair care forums. Understanding the cultural significance of cleanliness in German-speaking countries helps explain why there are so many specific types of Bürsten. Each task has its dedicated tool, and using the wrong Bürste for a job might be seen as inefficient.

Domestic Use: The Klobürste (toilet brush) is a household staple. Interestingly, German toilets often have a specific design that makes the use of a Klobürste more frequent than in other countries.

Vergiss nicht, die Spülbürste nach dem Abwaschen gründlich zu reinigen.

In professional settings, such as a hair salon (Friseursalon), the hairdresser might use various Rundbürsten (round brushes) to style hair. In a workshop, a Handfeger (hand brush/broom) is often paired with a dustpan (Kehrblech), but the actual scrubbing tool remains a Bürste. Historically, brushes were made from natural materials like wood and animal hair, and Germany has a long tradition of brush-making, particularly in regions like the Black Forest. This heritage is reflected in the precision with which Germans distinguish between a 'Bürste', a 'Pinsel' (paintbrush/makeup brush), and a 'Besen' (broom). A Bürste usually has stiff bristles for scrubbing or grooming, whereas a Pinsel has soft bristles for applying liquids, and a Besen is large and used for floors.

Artistic Distinction: Do not confuse 'Bürste' with 'Pinsel'. If you are painting a wall, you use a Pinsel. If you are cleaning the wall of moss, you use a Bürste.

Der Maler reinigt seine Drahtbürste, um den Rost vom Metallgitter zu entfernen.

Finally, the word appears in several idiomatic expressions. To brush someone 'against the grain' (gegen den Strich bürsten) means to provoke or annoy them by going against their nature. This shows how the physical action of brushing—which should be smoothing—can be used metaphorically to describe social friction. As you progress in German, you will find that 'Bürste' is not just a tool, but a word that connects hygiene, craftsmanship, and social etiquette.

Using the word Bürste correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender, pluralization, and how it fits into German sentence structure. As a feminine noun, it is always accompanied by feminine articles: 'die Bürste' (the brush) in the nominative, 'der Bürste' in the genitive and dative, and 'die Bürste' in the accusative. The plural form is 'die Bürsten'. When constructing sentences, the most common verbs associated with Bürste are 'benutzen' (to use), 'kaufen' (to buy), 'reinigen' (to clean), and 'suchen' (to look for).

Nominative Case: The brush is the subject of the sentence. Example: 'Die Bürste liegt auf dem Tisch' (The brush is lying on the table).

Diese Bürste ist sehr weich und ideal für empfindliche Kopfhaut.

In the accusative case, which is used for the direct object of a verb, the article remains 'die' or 'eine'. For example, 'Ich habe eine Bürste gefunden' (I found a brush). This is the most frequent usage in daily conversation. When you are asking for a brush in a store, you would say: 'Haben Sie eine Bürste für Wildleder?' (Do you have a brush for suede?). Notice how the preposition 'für' is followed by the object the brush is intended for. The dative case appears when the brush is the indirect object or follows certain prepositions. For example, 'Ich putze meine Schuhe mit einer Bürste' (I clean my shoes with a brush). Here, 'mit' always triggers the dative, changing 'eine' to 'einer'. If you are giving a brush to someone, you might say, 'Ich gebe der Bürste einen neuen Platz' (I am giving the brush a new place), though this is less common than using it as an instrument.

Plural Usage: When talking about multiple brushes, use 'die Bürsten'. Example: 'Wir haben verschiedene Bürsten im Angebot' (We have various brushes on offer).

Wo sind all die Bürsten, die wir gestern gekauft haben?

Another important aspect is the related verb 'bürsten'. While 'Bürste' is the noun, 'bürsten' is the action. You can say 'Ich bürste meine Haare' (I brush my hair). In German, it is more natural to use the reflexive pronoun in some contexts, such as 'Ich bürste mir die Haare' (I brush [to me] the hair), which emphasizes that you are doing it to yourself. This construction is very common with body parts.

Compound Construction: German loves compounds. If you need a brush for your dog, it's a Hundebürste. If it's for the floor, it's a Bodenbürste. The possibilities are endless.

Mit einer harten Bürste lässt sich der Schmutz leichter entfernen.

In more complex sentences, 'Bürste' might be part of a subordinate clause. For example: 'Ich weiß nicht, wo ich die Bürste hingelegt habe' (I don't know where I put the brush). Here, the verb 'hingelegt habe' moves to the end. Learners should also be aware of the diminutive 'Bürstchen', which means a small brush, often used affectionately or to describe something tiny. However, the standard 'Bürste' is the most versatile and necessary form for communication. Whether you are describing a morning routine or a cleaning task, mastering the cases and compound formations of 'Bürste' will significantly improve your German fluency.

The word Bürste is a staple of everyday German life, and you will encounter it in a variety of real-world environments. One of the most common places is the 'Drogeriemarkt' (drugstore), such as dm or Rossmann. Here, entire aisles are dedicated to different types of Bürsten. You will hear customers asking shop assistants for advice on which 'Haarbürste' is best for curly hair or where the 'Zahnbürsten' are located. In these settings, the language is practical and descriptive.

At the Drugstore: Expect to hear: 'Wo finde ich die elektrischen Zahnbürsten?' (Where can I find the electric toothbrushes?) or 'Diese Bürste hat Naturborsten.' (This brush has natural bristles.)

Im Drogeriemarkt gibt es eine riesige Auswahl an Bürsten für jeden Zweck.

Another frequent location is the 'Friseursalon' (hair salon). Hairdressers often talk about the tools they use. You might hear them say, 'Ich benutze eine Rundbürste, um mehr Volumen zu erzeugen' (I'm using a round brush to create more volume). In this context, the word is associated with beauty and professional care. Similarly, in a 'Schuhgeschäft' (shoe store) or a 'Schuhmacher' (cobbler), you will hear about 'Schuhbürsten' used to maintain leather. The staff might advise you: 'Sie sollten Ihre Schuhe regelmäßig mit einer weichen Bürste polieren.' In domestic settings, the word is used during household chores. Parents might tell their children: 'Putz deine Zähne mit der neuen Zahnbürste!' or 'Hast du die Klobürste benutzt?'. It is a word of instruction and routine. In a 'Baumarkt' (hardware store) like Bauhaus or OBI, 'Bürste' takes on a more industrial tone. You'll find 'Drahtbürsten' for metalwork or 'Reinigungsbürsten' for heavy-duty scrubbing. Workers might say, 'Wir brauchen eine harte Bürste, um den Beton zu reinigen.'

In the Workshop: Technical terms arise: 'Stahlbürste' (steel brush) or 'Messingbürste' (brass brush) are common for specific cleaning tasks.

Der Mechaniker nutzt eine Drahtbürste, um die Zündkerzen zu säubern.

You might also hear 'Bürste' in idioms during a conversation. If someone says, 'Er hat mich gegen den Strich gebürstet', they are using the word metaphorically to say that person annoyed them. This figurative language is common in storytelling or when expressing frustration. Furthermore, in the context of pets, 'Hundebürste' or 'Katzenbürste' are frequently used by animal lovers. 'Komm her, ich muss dich mal bürsten!' is a common phrase said to a shedding dog.

Pet Care: Pet owners frequently discuss the best 'Fellbürste' (fur brush) for their animals to prevent matting.

Meine Katze genießt es, wenn ich sie mit der weichen Bürste kämme.

Finally, in the kitchen, the 'Spülbürste' is a constant presence. During a 'WG-Putz' (flat-share cleaning session), you might hear, 'Wo ist die Spülbürste? Wir müssen den Topf schrubben.' The word is deeply embedded in the vocabulary of physical labor and maintenance. Whether in a professional, commercial, or private setting, 'Bürste' is a word that describes action, cleanliness, and care.

For English speakers learning German, the word Bürste presents several pitfalls, ranging from pronunciation to gender and word choice. One of the most frequent errors is the pronunciation of the 'ü'. English does not have this exact sound, and many learners default to an 'u' (like in 'bush') or an 'i' (like in 'bit'). To pronounce 'Bürste' correctly, you must round your lips as if to say 'oo' but then try to say 'ee'. If you say 'Burste', it sounds incorrect and may even be confused with other words.

Pronunciation Error: Mistake: Pronouncing 'ü' as 'u'. Result: 'Burste' instead of 'Bürste'. The 'ü' is crucial for being understood.

Falsch: Ich brauche eine Burste. Richtig: Ich brauche eine Bürste.

Another common mistake is confusing 'Bürste' with similar-looking or related words like 'Besen' (broom) or 'Pinsel' (paintbrush). In English, 'brush' can cover many things, but in German, the distinctions are sharp. Using 'Bürste' to describe a paintbrush will immediately mark you as a beginner. A 'Pinsel' is for painting or makeup, while a 'Bürste' is for scrubbing or grooming. Similarly, a 'Besen' is for sweeping the floor, not for scrubbing a small surface. Grammatical gender is another hurdle. 'Bürste' is feminine (die), but learners often default to masculine (der) or neuter (das). This leads to incorrect article usage in different cases. For example, saying 'Ich benutze den Bürste' (masculine accusative) is wrong; it must be 'Ich benutze die Bürste'. This mistake is particularly common when the learner is thinking of the English 'the brush', which has no gender.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'Der Bürste'. Correction: It is always 'Die Bürste'. This applies to all compound words ending in -bürste.

Falsch: Wo ist mein Zahnbürste? Richtig: Wo ist meine Zahnbürste?

Confusion also arises with the verb 'bürsten'. While it means 'to brush', it can sometimes have slang connotations in certain regions or contexts, similar to the English 'to brush off' or even more vulgar meanings. However, in the context of hair or cleaning, it is perfectly safe. A more common error is using 'kämmen' (to comb) and 'bürsten' interchangeably. While they both involve hair grooming, a 'Kamm' (comb) is a flat tool with teeth, while a 'Bürste' has bristles. Using the wrong verb can lead to slight confusion about what tool you are actually using.

Verb Misuse: Using 'kämmen' when you mean 'bürsten'. If you have a brush, you 'bürsten'. If you have a comb, you 'kämmen'.

Ich bürste mir die Haare (using a brush), aber ich kämme mich (using a comb).

Lastly, learners often forget that German uses compound words for specific brushes. Instead of saying 'Bürste für die Zähne', you should say 'Zahnbürste'. Using the long-form prepositional phrase is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and clunky to a native speaker. Mastering these compounds is key to sounding more like a local. By avoiding these common errors—pronunciation, gender, tool distinction, and lack of compounding—you will use 'Bürste' with confidence and precision.

To truly master die Bürste, it is helpful to compare it with other tools that have similar functions but different names in German. The most immediate comparison is with the Pinsel. While both are translated as 'brush' in English, their uses are distinct. A Pinsel is typically used for applying substances like paint, makeup, or even glaze in baking. It has softer, more flexible bristles. In contrast, a Bürste is used for grooming, cleaning, or scrubbing, and its bristles are usually stiffer.

Bürste vs. Pinsel: Bürste: Scrubbing, grooming, cleaning (e.g., Zahnbürste). Pinsel: Painting, applying makeup (e.g., Malerpinsel, Schminkpinsel).

Für die Lippen benutzt man einen Lippenpinsel, aber für die Haare eine Bürste.

Another related word is the Kamm (comb). While both are used for hair, a Kamm has a single row of teeth and is often used for detangling or precise styling. A Bürste has multiple rows of bristles and is used for smoothing or adding volume. In a hair salon, you will see both being used for different stages of the process. Then there is the Besen (broom). A Besen is much larger than a Bürste and is used for sweeping large floor areas. However, there is a middle ground: the Handfeger (hand brush), which is a small Besen held in one hand, often used with a Kehrblech (dustpan). For heavy-duty cleaning, you might use a Schrubber (scrubbing brush/mop). A Schrubber is essentially a Bürste on a long stick, used for cleaning floors while standing up. This is different from a 'Mopp', which uses fabric or sponges rather than bristles. In a technical or industrial context, you might encounter the Drahtbürste (wire brush), which is used for removing rust. An alternative for lighter cleaning might be a Schwamm (sponge), which lacks bristles entirely and relies on its porous texture.

Cleaning Alternatives: Schwamm: For delicate surfaces and absorbing water. Schrubber: For hard floors that need heavy scrubbing.

Wenn der Schwamm nicht reicht, musst du die Bürste nehmen.

In the world of art and craft, the term Quast is sometimes used for a very large, thick brush, often used for wallpapering or whitewashing walls. This is a very specific type of tool that is neither a standard Bürste nor a standard Pinsel. Finally, consider the figurative alternatives. Instead of 'bürsten' (brushing), someone might use 'striegeln', which specifically refers to grooming a horse with a currycomb. In a metaphorical sense, 'jemanden striegeln' can mean to groom someone excessively or to lecture them.

Metaphorical Nuance: While 'bürsten' is neutral, 'striegeln' implies a very thorough, almost obsessive grooming, often used for animals or in a military context.

Der Soldat hat seine Stiefel so lange gebürstet, bis sie glänzten.

Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right tool for the job—both in the physical world and in your German vocabulary. Whether you're reaching for a Haarbürste, a Spülbürste, or a Pinsel, knowing the specific name makes your German sound more natural and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word is linguistically related to 'Bär' (bear) in some ancient interpretations, referring to the animal's coarse fur.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbʏʁstə/

US /ˈbʊrstə/

First syllable (Bür-)

Rime avec

Dürste Fürste Würste Knürste Gürste Hürste Kürste Mürste

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ü' as 'u' (making it sound like 'Burste').
Over-pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
Dropping the final 'e'.
Pronouncing 'st' as 'st' instead of 'sht' (though in 'Bürste', 'st' is standard after 'r').
Confusing the 'ü' with 'i'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially in compounds.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ü' and the feminine gender.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'ü' sound can be challenging for English natives.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Zahn Haar Sauber Machen Die

Apprends ensuite

Kamm Besen Pinsel Schrubber Seife

Avancé

Striegel Borste Bürstwalze Bürstenabzug Bürstenfeuerung

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Noun Gender

Die Zahnbürste (Zahn + die Bürste = die Zahnbürste).

Reflexive Dative for Body Parts

Ich bürste mir (dative) die Haare (accusative).

Adjective Endings after 'die'

Die weiche Bürste (nominative feminine singular).

Preposition 'mit' + Dative

Ich putze mit der Bürste.

Plural Formation with -en

Eine Bürste -> zwei Bürsten.

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Exemples par niveau

Ich habe eine Bürste.

I have a brush.

Feminine noun, accusative case.

Wo ist meine Zahnbürste?

Where is my toothbrush?

Compound noun: Zahn + Bürste.

Die Bürste ist neu.

The brush is new.

Nominative case, subject of the sentence.

Ich bürste meine Haare.

I brush my hair.

Verb: bürsten.

Ist das deine Bürste?

Is that your brush?

Possessive pronoun 'deine' matches feminine 'Bürste'.

Die Bürste ist im Bad.

The brush is in the bathroom.

Preposition 'in' + dative 'dem Bad'.

Ich kaufe eine Bürste.

I am buying a brush.

Accusative case.

Das sind zwei Bürsten.

Those are two brushes.

Plural form: Bürsten.

Nimm die Spülbürste für die Tassen.

Use the dish brush for the cups.

Imperative form 'nimm'.

Ich putze die Schuhe mit einer Bürste.

I clean the shoes with a brush.

Preposition 'mit' + dative.

Die Klobürste steht neben der Toilette.

The toilet brush is next to the toilet.

Compound noun: Klo + Bürste.

Meine Haarbürste ist aus Holz.

My hairbrush is made of wood.

Genitive/Material description 'aus Holz'.

Brauchen wir eine neue Bürste?

Do we need a new brush?

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine accusative.

Bürste den Hund bitte im Garten.

Please brush the dog in the garden.

Verb 'bürsten' used with an animal.

Die Bürsten sind im Angebot.

The brushes are on sale.

Plural nominative.

Diese Bürste hat sehr harte Borsten.

This brush has very hard bristles.

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese'.

Ich bevorzuge Bürsten mit Naturborsten.

I prefer brushes with natural bristles.

Plural accusative.

Mit dieser Drahtbürste entfernst du den Rost.

With this wire brush, you remove the rust.

Technical compound: Draht + Bürste.

Die Kleiderbürste entfernt alle Fusseln.

The clothes brush removes all lint.

Specific use-case compound.

Nach dem Waschen muss man die Bürste trocknen.

After washing, you have to dry the brush.

Modal verb 'muss' + infinitive.

Gibt es eine spezielle Bürste für Wildleder?

Is there a special brush for suede?

Adjective 'spezielle' in the feminine.

Die Bürste ist für die Reinigung der Fugen gedacht.

The brush is intended for cleaning the grout.

Passive-like construction 'gedacht'.

Er bürstete sich den Staub vom Anzug.

He brushed the dust off his suit.

Reflexive dative 'sich' + accusative 'den Staub'.

Diese Bürste ist ergonomisch geformt.

This brush is ergonomically shaped.

Adverbial use of 'ergonomisch'.

Er bürstet seine Kollegen oft gegen den Strich.

He often rubs his colleagues the wrong way.

Idiomatic expression 'gegen den Strich bürsten'.

Die Massagebürste fördert die Durchblutung der Haut.

The massage brush promotes blood circulation in the skin.

Abstract noun 'Durchblutung'.

Man sollte die Bürste regelmäßig desinfizieren.

One should regularly disinfect the brush.

Subjunctive II 'sollte' for advice.

Diese Bürste ist ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug.

This brush is an indispensable tool.

Adjective 'unverzichtbar'.

Die Borsten der Bürste sind aus Nylon gefertigt.

The bristles of the brush are made of nylon.

Genitive 'der Bürste'.

Er griff zur Bürste, um die Leinwand zu säubern.

He reached for the brush to clean the canvas.

Preposition 'zu' + dative 'der Bürste' (zur).

Die Qualität der Bürste erkennt man an der Verarbeitung.

You can recognize the quality of the brush by its workmanship.

Preposition 'an' + dative.

Trotz der harten Bürste ging der Fleck nicht weg.

Despite the hard brush, the stain didn't come out.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Die bürstenlose Technologie revolutioniert Elektromotoren.

Brushless technology is revolutionizing electric motors.

Adjective 'bürstenlos' (brushless).

Sie reagierte bürstig auf die unangebrachte Frage.

She reacted pricklily to the inappropriate question.

Adjective 'bürstig' meaning prickly/stubborn.

Das Handwerk des Bürstenbinders ist fast ausgestorben.

The craft of the brush maker is almost extinct.

Compound 'Bürstenbinder'.

Die Bürstwalze im Staubsauger muss gereinigt werden.

The brush roller in the vacuum cleaner needs to be cleaned.

Technical compound 'Bürstwalze'.

Mit einer feinen Bürste wurde das Fossil freigelegt.

The fossil was uncovered with a fine brush.

Passive voice 'wurde freigelegt'.

Die Bürstenfeuerung ist ein spezielles Verfahren in Kraftwerken.

Brush firing is a special process in power plants.

Highly technical term.

Er hat getrunken wie ein Bürstenbinder.

He drank like a fish (very heavily).

Traditional idiom.

Die Textur wurde durch Bürsten des Holzes veredelt.

The texture was refined by brushing the wood.

Gerund-like use of 'Bürsten'.

Die borstige Beschaffenheit der Bürste war haptisch faszinierend.

The bristly nature of the brush was haptically fascinating.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'borstig', 'haptisch'.

In der Literatur wird die Bürste oft als Symbol der Ordnung verwendet.

In literature, the brush is often used as a symbol of order.

Passive voice with 'wird verwendet'.

Die Bürstenabzüge der Korrekturfahnen lagen auf dem Schreibtisch.

The galley proofs (brush copies) lay on the desk.

Printing term 'Bürstenabzug'.

Er bürstete alle Bedenken mit einer Handbewegung beiseite.

He brushed all concerns aside with a wave of his hand.

Metaphorical use of 'beiseite bürsten'.

Die feingliedrige Struktur der Bürste zeugt von hoher Handwerkskunst.

The delicate structure of the brush testifies to high craftsmanship.

Elevated verb 'zeugen von'.

Es ist eine Gratwanderung zwischen Bürsten und Zerstören der Oberfläche.

It is a balancing act between brushing and destroying the surface.

Metaphorical 'Gratwanderung'.

Die Bürstenhaare waren so fein wie Seide.

The brush hairs were as fine as silk.

Simile 'so fein wie'.

Das Bürsten der Wolle ist ein essenzieller Schritt der Verarbeitung.

The brushing of the wool is an essential step of processing.

Nominalized verb 'Das Bürsten'.

Collocations courantes

eine harte Bürste

die Bürste reinigen

mit der Bürste schrubben

eine Bürste mit Naturborsten

zur Bürste greifen

die elektrische Bürste

eine weiche Bürste

die Bürste weglegen

eine neue Bürste kaufen

die Bürste benutzen

Phrases Courantes

Zähne putzen mit der Bürste

— To brush teeth using a brush.

Kinder lernen früh, die Zähne mit der Bürste zu putzen.

Die Haare bürsten

— To brush one's hair.

Sie bürstet sich jeden Abend die Haare.

Schmutz abbürsten

— To brush off dirt.

Du musst den getrockneten Schlamm abbürsten.

Eine Bürste in der Hand haben

— To hold a brush.

Er hatte noch die Bürste in der Hand, als es klingelte.

Die Bürste ist voll Haare

— The brush is full of hair.

Du musst die Bürste sauber machen, sie ist voll Haare.

Eine Bürste für alles

— A brush for everything (versatile).

Das ist meine Bürste für alles im Garten.

Die Bürste kreisen lassen

— To move the brush in circles.

Lassen Sie die Bürste beim Polieren kreisen.

Mit grober Bürste

— With a coarse brush (often used metaphorically for lack of detail).

Er arbeitet oft mit grober Bürste.

Die Bürste ansetzen

— To apply the brush to a surface.

Hier musst du die Bürste vorsichtig ansetzen.

Eine Bürste parat haben

— To have a brush ready.

Man sollte immer eine Kleiderbürste parat haben.

Souvent confondu avec

Bürste vs Pinsel

Pinsel is for painting or makeup; Bürste is for scrubbing or grooming.

Bürste vs Besen

Besen is a large broom for floors; Bürste is smaller and for hands.

Bürste vs Kamm

Kamm is a comb with teeth; Bürste has many bristles.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Jemanden gegen den Strich bürsten"

— To annoy or provoke someone by acting contrary to their wishes.

Sein Verhalten bürstet mich total gegen den Strich.

informal

"Sich bürstig anstellen"

— To behave in a stubborn or prickly manner.

Stell dich nicht so bürstig an!

colloquial

"Trinken wie ein Bürstenbinder"

— To drink alcohol excessively.

Auf der Party hat er getrunken wie ein Bürstenbinder.

old-fashioned

"Alles über einen Kamm scheren (related)"

— To treat everyone/everything the same way (often confused with brush concepts).

Man kann nicht alle Schüler über einen Kamm scheren.

neutral

"Ein altes Bürstchen sein"

— To be an old, experienced, or slightly eccentric person.

Der Nachbar ist ein komisches altes Bürstchen.

dialectal

"Etwas beiseite bürsten"

— To dismiss something quickly or ignore it.

Er bürstete die Kritik einfach beiseite.

neutral

"Sich den Staub von den Schuhen bürsten"

— To move on from a place or situation with finality.

Er bürstete sich den Staub der Stadt von den Schuhen.

literary

"Glatte Haare haben, aber eine bürstige Seele"

— To look calm but have a difficult character.

Unterschätze sie nicht; sie hat eine bürstige Seele.

poetic

"Die Bürste schwingen"

— To start cleaning or working vigorously.

Am Samstag schwingen wir alle die Bürste.

humorous

"Auf Krawall gebürstet sein"

— To be in a confrontational mood, looking for a fight.

Heute ist der Chef wieder auf Krawall gebürstet.

slang

Facile à confondre

Bürste vs Bürste

General term for brush.

Used for scrubbing/grooming with stiff bristles.

Ich bürste meine Haare.

Bürste vs Pinsel

Also 'brush' in English.

Used for applying liquids (paint, makeup) with soft hair.

Der Maler nutzt einen Pinsel.

Bürste vs Besen

Both used for cleaning.

Besen is a broom with a long handle for sweeping.

Kehr den Boden mit dem Besen.

Bürste vs Schrubber

Both have bristles.

A Schrubber is a heavy-duty brush on a long handle for floors.

Putz die Terrasse mit dem Schrubber.

Bürste vs Handfeger

Small like a brush.

A Handfeger is specifically for sweeping dust into a pan.

Nimm den Handfeger für die Krümel.

Structures de phrases

Ich habe eine [Bürste].

Ich habe eine Haarbürste.

Wo ist die [Typ]-bürste?

Wo ist die Spülbürste?

Ich brauche eine Bürste für [Zweck].

Ich brauche eine Bürste für meine Schuhe.

Man sollte die Bürste [Adverb] [Verb].

Man sollte die Bürste regelmäßig reinigen.

Das [Nomen] wurde mit einer [Adjektiv] Bürste [Verb].

Das Metall wurde mit einer harten Bürste gereinigt.

Die [Eigenschaft] der Bürste ist [Adjektiv].

Die Beschaffenheit der Bürste ist borstig.

Ich bürste mir die [Körperteil].

Ich bürste mir die Haare.

Diese Bürste ist aus [Material].

Diese Bürste ist aus Holz.

Famille de mots

Noms

Haarbürste

Zahnbürste

Spülbürste

Klobürste

Drahtbürste

Bürstenbinder

Bürstchen

Bürstenkopf

Verbes

bürsten

abbürsten

ausbürsten

glattbürsten

sauberbürsten

Adjectifs

bürstig

bürstenlos

gebürstet

borstig

Apparenté

Borste

Haar

Reinigung

Pflege

Kamm

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High (essential daily vocabulary)

Erreurs courantes

Der Bürste → Die Bürste
Bürste is feminine. Many learners assume tools are masculine.
Ich bürste das Bild. → Ich male das Bild mit einem Pinsel.
You don't brush a painting with a Bürste; you use a Pinsel.
Burste → Bürste
Missing the umlaut changes the pronunciation and is a spelling error.
Ich kämme meine Schuhe. → Ich bürste meine Schuhe.
You can only 'kämmen' hair with a comb, not shoes with a brush.
Die Bürste für Zähne → Die Zahnbürste
While understandable, German strongly prefers the compound noun.

Astuces

Gender Memory

Always associate 'Bürste' with a feminine person to remember 'die'. Imagine a woman brushing her hair.

The 'ü' trick

Shape your lips like you're going to whistle, then try to say 'ee'. That's the 'ü' in Bürste.

Compound Power

Learn 'Bürste' as a building block. If you know the word for 'teeth' (Zähne), you already know 'Zahnbürste'.

The Klobürste Rule

In Germany, always use the Klobürste if needed in a shared bathroom. It is a strong social expectation.

Look for 'Borsten'

When buying a brush, check if it says 'weich' (soft), 'mittel' (medium), or 'hart' (hard).

Pinsel vs. Bürste

If you are applying something (makeup, paint), use 'Pinsel'. If you are removing something (dirt, knots), use 'Bürste'.

Related to Bristle

Remember that 'Bürste' and 'bristle' (Borste) share the same ancient root. This helps you remember it's about the hairs.

Daily Labeling

Put a sticky note on your toothbrush that says 'die Zahnbürste' to see it every morning.

Against the Grain

Use 'gegen den Strich bürsten' when someone is being particularly difficult or annoying.

The Shape

The word 'Bürste' looks a bit like the object: the 'B' is the handle, and the rest are the bristles.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Bürste' as a tool for a 'Burst' of cleanliness. The 'ü' looks like two eyes looking at the bristles.

Association visuelle

Imagine a 'die' (dice) sitting on top of a hairbrush to remember it is feminine (die Bürste).

Word Web

Borsten Griff Reinigen Haare Zähne Schrubben Haushaltsgerät Pflege

Défi

Try to name five different types of Bürsten you can find in your house in 30 seconds.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle High German 'bürste' and Old High German 'burstia', which comes from the Proto-Germanic root '*burstiz'.

Sens originel : The root refers to something that stands up or is bristly, related to 'Borste' (bristle).

Germanic (cognate with English 'brush', though the English word was influenced by Old French 'broce').

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'bürsten' in slang contexts unless you are very familiar with the audience.

English speakers use 'brush' for everything from hair to paint, but Germans insist on 'Pinsel' for paint, which can be a point of confusion.

The 'Bürstenbinder' in German folklore. Heinrich Hoffmann's 'Struwwelpeter' (where hair care is a central theme). Modern German comedy sketches about the 'Klobürste'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Bathroom Routine

Zahnbürste benutzen
Haare bürsten
Bürste ausspülen
neue Bürste brauchen

Cleaning the House

Spülbürste nehmen
Klobürste reinigen
Boden bürsten
Staub abbürsten

Shopping

Wo sind die Bürsten?
Haben Sie weiche Bürsten?
Was kostet diese Bürste?
Naturborsten bevorzugen

Pet Care

Hund bürsten
Fellbürste kaufen
Katze mag die Bürste
Unterwolle ausbürsten

Workshop/DIY

Drahtbürste für Rost
Metall bürsten
Bürstenaufsatz für Bohrer
harte Bürste nötig

Amorces de conversation

"Benutzt du eine elektrische Zahnbürste oder eine normale?"

"Welche Haarbürste ist am besten für langes Haar geeignet?"

"Hast du eine Kleiderbürste? Mein Mantel ist voller Fusseln."

"Wie oft wechselst du deine Spülbürste in der Küche?"

"Glaubst du, dass Bürsten mit Naturborsten wirklich besser sind?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deine morgendliche Routine und welche Bürsten du dabei benutzt.

Hast du schon einmal jemanden 'gegen den Strich gebürstet'? Erzähle die Geschichte.

Warum ist Sauberkeit in deiner Kultur wichtig und welche Werkzeuge benutzt du dafür?

Stell dir vor, du müsstest eine neue Art von Bürste erfinden. Was würde sie tun?

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem alles schiefging, beginnend mit einer verlorenen Zahnbürste.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'die Bürste' is always feminine. This also applies to all compound nouns where 'Bürste' is the final element, such as 'die Zahnbürste' or 'die Haarbürste'. German gender is determined by the last part of a compound word.

While both refer to hair care, 'bürsten' uses a brush (Bürste) with many bristles to smooth or style, while 'kämmen' uses a comb (Kamm) with a single row of teeth to detangle or divide hair.

No, that is a common mistake for English speakers. A paintbrush is called a 'Pinsel'. A 'Bürste' is typically for cleaning or grooming and has stiffer bristles than a 'Pinsel'.

The plural is 'die Bürsten'. You simply add an '-n' to the singular form. Example: 'Ich habe viele Bürsten im Schrank.'

It is an idiom meaning to annoy or provoke someone. It comes from the idea of brushing fur in the wrong direction, which is uncomfortable for an animal.

It is a toilet brush. It is a compound of 'Klo' (toilet) and 'Bürste'. It is a standard item in every German bathroom.

Yes, it is 'das Bürstchen'. It means a small brush. Note that diminutives in German always become neuter (das).

They are natural bristles, often made from boar hair. Brushes with Naturborsten are usually considered higher quality than those with synthetic (plastic) bristles.

The noun is 'Bürste', and the related verb is 'bürsten' (to brush). Example: 'Ich bürste den Hund.'

A 'Drahtbürste' (wire brush) has metal bristles and is used for heavy-duty cleaning, like removing rust from metal or cleaning a grill.

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