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A1 verb #3,500 mais comum 11 min de leitura

Füllen

Top 3,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas Füllen em 30 segundos

Explicação Füllen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'füllen' is introduced as a basic action verb that every learner needs for daily survival. At this stage, you focus on the most literal and physical applications of the word. You learn it alongside common nouns like 'Glas' (glass), 'Flasche' (bottle), and 'Tasche' (bag). The primary goal is to understand that 'füllen' means to put something inside something else. You will practice the present tense conjugation: 'ich fülle', 'du füllst', 'er füllt'. You also learn the important preposition 'mit' (with), which is almost always used to describe what you are putting into the container. For example, 'Ich fülle das Glas mit Wasser' (I fill the glass with water). This level also introduces the past participle 'gefüllt' because it is so common on menus, such as 'gefüllte Pasta'. You don't need to worry about complex metaphors yet; just focus on the physical act of filling objects in your immediate environment. You might also encounter it in simple instructions, like 'Füllen Sie den Tank' (Fill the tank). The focus is on clarity and simple transitive sentences where a person does something to an object. It is a 'doing' word that helps you describe your actions in the kitchen or while shopping. Beginners should also be aware of the difference between 'füllen' and 'voll' (full), noting that one is an action and the other is a description of a state.

As you move to A2, you begin to use 'füllen' in a wider variety of tenses, specifically the Perfekt (past) and Präteritum (simple past). You'll learn to say 'Ich habe den Eimer gefüllt' (I have filled the bucket). At this level, you also start to encounter the reflexive form 'sich füllen'. This is a big step because it allows you to describe processes where there isn't a clear person doing the action, such as 'Der Raum füllt sich mit Menschen' (The room is filling with people). You will also be introduced to the most common prefix version: 'ausfüllen'. While 'füllen' is for physical objects, 'ausfüllen' is for forms and documents. This is crucial for navigating German bureaucracy, such as at a doctor's office or an 'Amt'. You will learn to recognize 'Füllen Sie bitte dieses Formular aus' (Please fill out this form). You also start to see 'füllen' used in slightly more abstract but still common ways, like 'die Zeit füllen' (to fill the time). The vocabulary around 'füllen' expands to include more diverse objects, like 'Lücken' (gaps) or 'Regale' (shelves). You begin to appreciate that German uses specific prefixes to change the meaning of the base verb, a core feature of the language that becomes more prominent at higher levels.

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At the B1 level, your understanding of 'füllen' becomes more nuanced as you explore its role in more complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions. You will learn to use 'füllen' in the passive voice, which is common in technical descriptions or recipes: 'Die Flaschen werden automatisch gefüllt' (The bottles are filled automatically). You also start to see the verb used in more figurative contexts. For instance, you might describe a person who 'eine Lücke füllt' (fills a gap) in a team or a project. The concept of 'füllen' extends to emotions and atmosphere; you might read that 'ein Lächeln füllte ihr Gesicht' (a smile filled her face). At this stage, you should also distinguish between 'füllen' and its close relatives like 'gießen' (to pour) or 'schütten' (to dump/pour solids). You'll learn that 'füllen' is about the result of the container becoming full, whereas the other verbs focus more on the movement of the substance. You will also encounter 'auffüllen' (to refill) more frequently, especially in service contexts like 'die Bestände auffüllen' (to restock the inventory). Your ability to use the correct prefix starts to define your level of fluency, and you'll practice choosing between 'füllen', 'ausfüllen', and 'auffüllen' based on the specific scenario.

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By B2, you are expected to use 'füllen' and its derivatives with high precision in both professional and academic contexts. You will encounter more technical versions like 'befüllen' (often used in industrial or logistics settings) and 'bestücken' (to equip or fill with components). You'll understand the subtle difference between 'füllen' and 'besetzen' (to occupy), knowing that you fill a glass but occupy a seat or a position. The metaphorical use of 'füllen' becomes more sophisticated; you might discuss 'Marktlücken füllen' (filling gaps in the market) or 'die Leere füllen' (filling the void) in a philosophical or psychological sense. You will also learn more complex idiomatic phrases, such as 'das Sommerloch füllen' (to fill the summer slump/news gap). Your command of the grammar should be solid, allowing you to use the verb in subjunctive (Konjunktiv) forms for hypothetical situations: 'Wenn wir den Tank füllen würden, könnten wir weiterfahren.' You also become more aware of the stylistic differences; 'füllen' is neutral, while 'vollpfropfen' (to cram/stuff) is informal and descriptive. At this level, you are not just communicating basic needs; you are using the verb to add texture and precision to your descriptions and arguments.

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At the C1 level, you explore the literary and highly formal uses of 'füllen'. You will encounter it in classical literature where it might describe light 'filling' a room or a voice 'filling' a hall with authority. You understand the historical development of the word and its relationship to other Germanic languages. You can distinguish between very similar verbs like 'anfüllen' (to fill up/accumulate) and 'vollfüllen' (to fill completely), using them to express subtle degrees of fullness or intent. You are also proficient in using 'gefüllt' as an attributive adjective in complex noun phrases, such as 'ein mit Erwartung gefüllter Raum' (a room filled with expectation). Your use of the verb in abstract discussions is seamless; you can talk about 'Inhalte füllen' in the context of digital media or educational curricula. You also recognize when 'füllen' is used ironically or sarcastically in journalism. At this stage, you are expected to have a 'feel' for the word—knowing instinctively when it sounds right and when a synonym would be more appropriate. You can also handle the noun forms like 'Füllung' (filling) in various specialized fields, from dentistry (a filling) to engineering (filling level).

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'füllen' in all its dimensions. You can appreciate its use in poetry, where the sounds of the word itself—the short, sharp 'ü'—might be used for rhythmic effect. You understand the most obscure technical applications, such as in chemistry or advanced manufacturing. You can use the verb in highly sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps using it as a metaphor for the human condition or the passage of time in a philosophical essay. You are also aware of regional variations in usage across the German-speaking world (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), though 'füllen' itself is quite standard. You can effortlessly switch between registers, using 'füllen' in a formal report and more colorful synonyms in a creative writing piece. You also have a deep understanding of the word's etymology from the Proto-Germanic '*fullijaną', and how this history influences its modern usage. At this level, 'füllen' is no longer just a word you 'know'; it is a versatile tool that you can manipulate with precision, elegance, and a deep sense of linguistic context. You can critique the use of the word in translations and provide nuanced explanations of why 'füllen' was chosen over 'laden', 'packen', or 'stopfen' in a specific literary passage.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

Füllen em 30 segundos

Füllen is a regular German verb primarily meaning 'to fill' a container or space.
It is frequently used with the preposition 'mit' to indicate the filling substance.
The verb can be used reflexively ('sich füllen') to describe a space becoming full.
Common derivatives include 'ausfüllen' for forms and 'auffüllen' for refilling items.

The German verb füllen is a fundamental building block of the language, primarily meaning 'to fill'. At its core, it describes the action of putting something into a container until it is no longer empty. However, its utility extends far beyond just pouring water into a glass. In the German-speaking world, you will encounter this word in culinary contexts, industrial settings, and even in abstract discussions about time and emotions. Understanding füllen requires looking at how it interacts with objects and the prepositions that typically follow it, most notably the preposition mit (with).

Physical Displacement: This is the most direct usage. You take a volume of something (liquid, gas, or solid) and place it inside a boundary. For example, filling a pool with water or a bag with groceries. In these cases, the focus is on the transition from an empty state to a occupied state.

Wir füllen die Flaschen mit frischem Quellwasser.

Culinary Application: In German cooking, füllen is essential. It refers to stuffing vegetables, meat, or pastries. A 'gefüllte Paprika' (filled pepper) is a staple dish. Here, the verb implies a sense of preparation and enrichment of a base ingredient.

Der Koch füllt die Gans mit Äpfeln und Zwiebeln.

Beyond the physical, füllen appears in figurative expressions. One might 'fill' a room with laughter or 'fill' a gap in their knowledge. In these instances, the verb adds a poetic or descriptive layer to the sentence, suggesting that the presence of a quality or emotion is so strong that it occupies the entire environment. It is also used reflexively—sich füllen—to describe a space becoming crowded or full on its own accord, such as a theater filling with people before a show starts.

Der Saal füllt sich langsam mit Zuschauern.

Temporal Context: While less common than physical filling, one can fill time with activities. This usage mirrors the English 'to fill one's day'. It suggests a structured approach to managing one's schedule to ensure no 'empty' moments remain.

Sie füllte ihre Freizeit mit sportlichen Aktivitäten.

In summary, füllen is a versatile verb that moves from the kitchen to the construction site and into the realm of human emotion. Whether you are pouring juice, stuffing a turkey, or feeling your heart fill with joy, this verb provides the necessary linguistic structure to describe the act of making something complete or occupied.

Die Musik füllte den ganzen Raum.

To use füllen correctly, one must master its grammatical requirements and common syntactic patterns. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object in the accusative case—the thing that is being filled. Often, we want to specify what we are using to fill that object, which is where the preposition mit (with) followed by the dative case comes into play. This 'A fill B with C' structure is the most frequent pattern you will encounter.

The Transitive Pattern: Subject + Verb + Accusative Object + mit + Dative Object. This is the gold standard for describing the act of filling. It is precise and clear.

Ich fülle das Glas mit Wasser.

When we look at the conjugation of füllen, we see it follows the standard pattern for regular German verbs. In the present tense, we have ich fülle, du füllst, er/sie/es füllt, wir füllen, ihr füllt, sie füllen. Because it is a weak verb, the stem does not change in the past tense (füllte) or the past participle (gefüllt). This predictability makes it an excellent verb for A1 learners to practice their conjugation rules.

The Reflexive Pattern: Subject + sich + Verb. This is used when a container or space is filling up without a specific agent mentioned, or when the agent is the subject itself. It describes a process of becoming full.

Die Straßen füllen sich am Abend.

Another important aspect is the use of prefixes. While füllen is the base, adding prefixes changes the nuance. Auffüllen means to refill something that has been partially emptied. Abfüllen is often used for bottling liquids in a factory. Einfüllen emphasizes the act of pouring something into a specific opening. Mastering these variations allows for much more precise communication in technical or domestic environments.

Könnten Sie bitte meinen Kaffee auffüllen?

Metaphorical Usage: When filling non-physical things, the structure remains the same. You fill a role, a position, or a silence. In these cases, the verb conveys a sense of completion or satisfaction of a requirement.

Er füllt seine Rolle als Vater perfekt aus.

Finally, consider the passive voice. 'Das Glas wird gefüllt' (The glass is being filled). This is common in instructions or descriptions where the person doing the filling is irrelevant. By understanding these different syntactic paths, you can use füllen with confidence in almost any situation.

In daily German life, füllen is everywhere. You will hear it at the breakfast table, in the supermarket, at the gas station, and in the workplace. It is a 'working' verb—one that describes the countless small actions that keep life moving. Because it is so practical, it lacks the formality of some other verbs, making it perfect for casual, everyday conversation. However, its derivatives are what you will likely hear most often in specific professional contexts.

At the Restaurant or Café: Waitstaff will often use 'auffüllen' when asking if you want a refill. You might also hear 'gefüllt' when the daily specials are announced, especially concerning pastries, pasta like ravioli, or stuffed meats.

Soll ich Ihr Glas noch einmal auffüllen?

In the Kitchen: Home cooks use 'füllen' constantly. Whether it's filling a pot with water for pasta or stuffing a chicken for Sunday roast, the verb is central to the process of food preparation. It implies a transition from raw ingredients to a completed dish.

Zuerst füllen wir den Teig in die Form.

In a more social or public context, you'll hear füllen used reflexively to describe crowds. If you are at a concert or a football match, people might say 'Das Stadion füllt sich,' noting the arrival of the audience. This use of the verb creates a sense of growing energy and anticipation. It's not just about space being occupied; it's about the atmosphere changing as more people arrive.

Die Ränge füllten sich schnell vor dem Spiel.

In Administration: While 'ausfüllen' is the standard for forms, in casual office talk, someone might say 'Wir müssen diese Lücke im Zeitplan füllen' (We need to fill this gap in the schedule). It treats time as a container that needs to be productive.

Wir müssen die Regale im Lager wieder auffüllen.

Lastly, in literature and media, füllen is used to describe emotional states. A character's eyes might 'fill with tears' (sich mit Tränen füllen), or a heart might 'fill with pride'. These uses are slightly more formal or poetic but are still very common in storytelling. They help to visualize internal feelings as physical substances that can overflow.

Even though füllen seems straightforward, English speakers often trip over a few specific hurdles. The most common error is a 'false friend' or a misunderstanding of which German verb for 'to fill' is required in a specific context. German is often more specific than English, and using the generic füllen where a prefixed version is required can make you sound unnatural or even lead to confusion.

Mistake 1: Füllen vs. Ausfüllen: In English, we 'fill out' or 'fill in' a form. In German, you must use 'ausfüllen'. Saying 'Ich fülle das Formular' sounds like you are literally pouring liquid onto the paper. Always remember: forms need 'ausfüllen'.

Falsch: Ich fülle den Antrag.

Mistake 2: Preposition Confusion: English speakers often want to say 'fill with' using 'von' or 'durch'. However, German almost exclusively uses 'mit' (with) when describing the substance used to fill something. 'Das Glas ist gefüllt mit Saft' is the correct structure.

Richtig: Ich fülle die Tasche mit Büchern.

Another subtle mistake involves the difference between füllen and voll sein. Füllen is an action; voll sein is a state. If you want to say 'The room is full,' you say 'Der Raum ist voll.' If you say 'Der Raum füllt,' it sounds incomplete, as füllen usually needs an object or the reflexive sich. Use 'Der Raum füllt sich' to describe the process of people entering.

Mistake 3: Overusing Füllen for Refills: If you go to a bar and want another beer, you don't say 'Füllen Sie mein Glas'. You would more likely say 'Noch eins, bitte' or use 'Auffüllen' if you want a top-up. 'Füllen' can sound a bit too clinical or technical in a social setting.

Können Sie das bitte auffüllen? (Refill)

Finally, watch out for the reflexive 'sich füllen'. Beginners often forget the 'sich'. If you say 'Das Glas füllt mit Wasser,' it sounds like the glass is an active agent performing the filling. 'Das Glas füllt sich mit Wasser' correctly identifies that the glass is becoming full through an external process or as a passive recipient.

The German language provides a rich palette of verbs to describe the act of occupying space. While füllen is the most general, choosing a more specific alternative can significantly enhance your fluency. These alternatives often depend on the substance being used or the specific nature of the container.

Füllen vs. Gießen: 'Füllen' focuses on the result (the container being full), whereas 'gießen' focuses on the action of pouring liquid. If you are watering plants, you use 'gießen'. If you are putting water into a vase, you could use either, but 'füllen' emphasizes the amount of water now in the vase.

Ich gieße den Wein ins Glas. (Pouring focus)

Füllen vs. Stopfen: 'Stopfen' means 'to stuff' or 'to cram'. It implies that force is being used to get something into a space. You 'stopf' clothes into a suitcase when it's nearly full. 'Füllen' is more neutral and controlled.

Er stopft die Socken in die Tasche.

In a professional or technical context, befüllen and bestücken are common. Befüllen is the technical term for filling tanks or machines. Bestücken is used when you are 'filling' something with parts or components, like a circuit board or a vending machine with snacks. These terms show a high level of precision.

Auffüllen vs. Nachfüllen: 'Auffüllen' is used when you fill something to the top again. 'Nachfüllen' is more like 'topping up' or adding more of something that is running low, like printer ink or a drink.

Wir müssen den Vorrat nachfüllen.

Finally, consider the verb besetzen (to occupy). While füllen describes the act of making a container full, besetzen is used for seats, positions, or territories. You wouldn't 'fill' a seat in the same way you fill a bottle; you 'occupy' it. Understanding these distinctions helps avoid the 'English-thinking' trap where one word is expected to cover all scenarios.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'Füller' (fountain pen) comes from this verb because it is a pen that you 'fill' with ink.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈfʏlən/

US /ˈfʏlən/

The stress is on the first syllable: FÜL-len.

Rima com

Hüllen Müllen Brüllen Knüllen Quillen Stillen Willen Drillen

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like 'fühlen' (to feel) with a long 'ü'.
Pronouncing the 'ü' like an English 'u' (as in 'full').
Over-emphasizing the final 'n'.
Confusing the vowel with 'fällen' (to fell/cut down).
Missing the rounding of the lips for the 'ü' sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Escrita 2/5

Requires knowledge of regular conjugation and the preposition 'mit'.

Expressão oral 3/5

The short 'ü' sound can be tricky for English speakers to distinguish from 'ü' in 'fühlen'.

Audição 2/5

Generally easy to hear, though prefixes can change the meaning quickly.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Voll Wasser Glas Machen Mit

Aprenda a seguir

Ausfüllen Auffüllen Leeren Gießen Tanken

Avançado

Bestücken Befüllen Anfüllen Vollpfropfen Ergänzen

Gramática essencial

Transitive Verbs

Ich fülle (Verb) das Glas (Akkusativ-Objekt).

Preposition 'mit' + Dative

Ich fülle es mit dem (Dativ) Wasser.

Reflexive Verbs

Der Raum füllt sich (Reflexivpronomen).

Regular Verb Conjugation

ich fülle, du füllst, er füllt (weak verb).

Separable Prefixes

Ich fülle das Formular AUS. (ausfüllen)

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Exemplos por nível

Ich fülle das Glas.

I fill the glass.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure.

Füllst du die Flasche?

Are you filling the bottle?

Question form with verb in first position.

Er füllt die Tasche mit Brot.

He fills the bag with bread.

Uses 'mit' + dative to show the content.

Wir füllen den Tank.

We fill the tank.

Direct object in accusative.

Die Kinder füllen den Korb.

The children fill the basket.

Plural subject 'die Kinder'.

Bitte füllen Sie das Glas mit Saft.

Please fill the glass with juice.

Imperative form with 'Sie'.

Ich fülle den Teller mit Suppe.

I fill the plate with soup.

Standard transitive usage.

Die Frau füllt die Vase mit Blumen.

The woman fills the vase with flowers.

Focus on the container (Vase).

Ich habe die Flasche gefüllt.

I have filled the bottle.

Perfekt tense with 'haben' + 'gefüllt'.

Der Saal füllt sich langsam.

The hall is slowly filling up.

Reflexive 'sich füllen'.

Sie füllte den Eimer mit Wasser.

She filled the bucket with water.

Präteritum (simple past) tense.

Können Sie das Formular ausfüllen?

Can you fill out the form?

Separable verb 'ausfüllen'.

Die Regale füllten sich mit neuen Waren.

The shelves filled up with new goods.

Reflexive past tense.

Wir müssen die Lücke füllen.

We must fill the gap.

Modal verb 'müssen' + infinitive.

Hast du den Sack gefüllt?

Did you fill the sack?

Perfekt question.

Das Glas war mit Wein gefüllt.

The glass was filled with wine.

Passive-like state description (Zustandspassiv).

Die Zeitungen füllten das Sommerloch mit Skandalen.

The newspapers filled the summer slump with scandals.

Idiomatic use of 'Sommerloch'.

Der Duft von Kaffee füllte die ganze Küche.

The smell of coffee filled the whole kitchen.

Abstract subject (scent).

Er füllte die Rolle des Kapitäns sehr gut aus.

He filled the role of the captain very well.

Figurative use of 'ausfüllen'.

Die Tanks werden regelmäßig gefüllt.

The tanks are filled regularly.

Vorgangspassiv (process passive).

Sie füllte ihr Leben mit Reisen und Abenteuern.

She filled her life with travel and adventures.

Metaphorical use for life experiences.

Die Tränen füllten ihre Augen.

Tears filled her eyes.

Poetic/emotional usage.

Wir sollten den Vorrat an Vorräten auffüllen.

We should refill the stock of supplies.

Use of 'auffüllen' for restocking.

Das Konzert füllte den Park mit Musik.

The concert filled the park with music.

Abstract usage for sound.

Das Unternehmen füllte die Marktlücke erfolgreich.

The company successfully filled the gap in the market.

Business terminology 'Marktlücke'.

Er füllte die Flasche bis zum Rand.

He filled the bottle to the brim.

Prepositional phrase 'bis zum Rand'.

Die Nachricht füllte ihn mit großer Freude.

The news filled him with great joy.

Abstract emotional filling.

Wir müssen die Datenfelder korrekt füllen.

We must fill the data fields correctly.

Technical/digital context.

Die Regale müssen ständig nachgefüllt werden.

The shelves must be constantly refilled.

Passive with modal verb and 'nachfüllen'.

Sie füllte die Lücke in ihrem Lebenslauf mit einem Praktikum.

She filled the gap in her CV with an internship.

Career-related metaphor.

Der Autor füllte die Seiten mit spannenden Details.

The author filled the pages with exciting details.

Creative context.

Das Stadion füllte sich bis auf den letzten Platz.

The stadium filled up to the very last seat.

Idiom 'bis auf den letzten Platz'.

Seine kraftvolle Stimme füllte den gesamten Kirchenraum.

His powerful voice filled the entire church space.

High-level descriptive usage.

Es gilt, die konzeptionelle Leere mit Inhalten zu füllen.

It is necessary to fill the conceptual void with content.

Formal/Academic 'Es gilt...' structure.

Die gefüllten Teigtaschen sind eine Spezialität des Hauses.

The stuffed dumplings are a specialty of the house.

Adjectival use of the participle.

Sie füllte die Stille mit einer vorsichtigen Frage.

She filled the silence with a cautious question.

Literary metaphor.

Die Tanks wurden mit einer hochreinen Lösung befüllt.

The tanks were filled with a high-purity solution.

Technical verb 'befüllen'.

Er füllte seine Freizeit mit ehrenamtlicher Arbeit aus.

He occupied his free time with volunteer work.

Nuanced use of 'ausfüllen' for time.

Das Licht der Morgensonne füllte das Zimmer.

The light of the morning sun filled the room.

Poetic subject.

Die Anspannung im Raum war fast mit Händen zu füllen.

The tension in the room was almost tangible (fillable).

Advanced metaphorical expression.

Die Sinfonie füllte den Konzertsaal mit einer beispiellosen klanglichen Tiefe.

The symphony filled the concert hall with an unprecedented sonic depth.

Sophisticated musical description.

Es ist eine Herausforderung, die existenzielle Leere sinnvoll zu füllen.

It is a challenge to meaningfully fill the existential void.

Philosophical register.

Die Reben füllten sich in der warmen Oktobersonne mit süßem Saft.

The grapes filled with sweet juice in the warm October sun.

Reflexive, natural process description.

Seine Reden füllten ganze Bände der Zeitgeschichte.

His speeches filled entire volumes of contemporary history.

Historical/literary metaphor.

Man muss die formalen Kriterien erst mit Leben füllen.

One must first fill the formal criteria with life.

Idiom 'mit Leben füllen'.

Das Archiv füllte sich im Laufe der Jahrzehnte mit unschätzbaren Dokumenten.

Over the decades, the archive filled with invaluable documents.

Long-term process description.

Die Schiffe füllten ihre Bäuche mit den Schätzen des Orients.

The ships filled their bellies with the treasures of the Orient.

Archaic/literary personification.

Die Komplexität des Themas füllte den gesamten Diskurs des Abends.

The complexity of the topic filled the entire discourse of the evening.

Abstract academic usage.

Colocações comuns

ein Glas füllen

ein Formular ausfüllen

eine Lücke füllen

den Magen füllen

mit Leben füllen

die Regale füllen

einen Tank füllen

mit Stolz füllen

die Seiten füllen

den Raum füllen

Frases Comuns

Gefüllte Paprika

— A popular dish consisting of bell peppers stuffed with meat or rice.

Heute gibt es gefüllte Paprika zum Mittagessen.

Den Speicher füllen

— To fill up digital storage or memory.

Die Fotos füllen den Speicher meines Handy.

Eine Marktlücke füllen

— To provide a product or service that was previously missing in the market.

Die neue App füllt eine echte Marktlücke.

Sich die Taschen füllen

— Often used negatively to mean making a lot of money, sometimes dishonestly.

Die Politiker füllen sich nur die eigenen Taschen.

Die Wartezeit füllen

— To do something while waiting for something else.

Ich fülle die Wartezeit mit Lesen.

Einen Posten füllen

— To occupy a job position or office.

Wer wird den freien Posten füllen?

Die Kassen füllen

— To bring in revenue or money for an organization.

Das Konzert füllte die Kassen des Vereins.

Mit Erwartung gefüllt

— Full of anticipation or expectation.

Die Luft war mit Erwartung gefüllt.

Das Glas halb füllen

— To fill a glass halfway.

Füllen Sie das Glas bitte nur halb.

Einen Hohlraum füllen

— To fill a cavity or empty space in construction or medicine.

Der Zahnarzt muss den Hohlraum füllen.

Frequentemente confundido com

Füllen vs fühlen

Means 'to feel'. Pronounced with a long 'ü'. 'Füllen' has a short 'ü'.

Füllen vs fällen

Means 'to fell' (a tree) or 'to make' (a decision). Pronounced with 'ä'.

Füllen vs voll

The adjective 'full'. 'Füllen' is the action to make it so.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Sich die Taschen füllen"

— To enrich oneself, often at the expense of others.

Er füllt sich die Taschen auf Kosten der Firma.

Informal/Negative

"Ein Sommerloch füllen"

— When media reports on trivial things because there is no real news during summer.

Diese Geschichte füllt nur das Sommerloch.

Journalistic

"Mit Leben füllen"

— To make a plan or concept real and active.

Wir müssen den Vertrag jetzt mit Leben füllen.

Professional

"Die Lücke füllen"

— To provide what is missing.

Sein Abgang hinterlässt eine Lücke, die schwer zu füllen ist.

Neutral

"Den Bauch füllen"

— To eat until full.

Wir füllten uns den Bauch beim Buffet.

Informal

"Die Kassen füllen"

— To make a lot of profit.

Der Blockbuster füllte die Kassen des Studios.

Neutral

"Eine Rolle ausfüllen"

— To be well-suited for a task or position.

Sie füllt ihre Rolle als Managerin perfekt aus.

Professional

"Den Rahmen füllen"

— To occupy the available space or scope.

Das Programm füllt den zeitlichen Rahmen voll aus.

Neutral

"Sich mit Stolz füllen"

— To become very proud.

Sein Herz füllte sich mit Stolz.

Literary

"Die Stille füllen"

— To break a silence with noise or talk.

Er füllte die peinliche Stille mit Witzen.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

Füllen vs ausfüllen

Both translate to 'fill' in English.

Ausfüllen is only for forms, documents, or roles. Füllen is for containers.

Ich fülle das Glas, aber ich fülle das Formular aus.

Füllen vs auffüllen

Used for refilling.

Auffüllen is specifically for making something full again after it was used.

Ich fülle das Glas auf.

Füllen vs tanken

Both involve filling a tank.

Tanken is specifically for putting fuel into a vehicle. Füllen is for any container.

Ich tanke das Auto.

Füllen vs gießen

Both involve liquids and containers.

Gießen focuses on the act of pouring. Füllen focuses on the container getting full.

Ich gieße Wasser in die Blumen.

Füllen vs stopfen

Both involve putting things in a space.

Stopfen implies using force or cramming. Füllen is neutral.

Er stopft die Wäsche in den Korb.

Padrões de frases

S + V + O

Ich fülle das Glas.

S + V + O + mit + D

Er füllt die Tasche mit Äpfeln.

S + haben + O + gefüllt

Wir haben den Tank gefüllt.

S + sich + V

Der Saal füllt sich.

O + werden + V(participle)

Die Flaschen werden gefüllt.

S + V(prefix) + O

Sie füllt das Formular aus.

Adjective(participle) + N

Die gefüllten Gläser stehen dort.

Metaphorical S + V + O

Die Musik füllte die Stille.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Die Füllung (filling)

Der Füller (fountain pen)

Das Füllsel (filler/padding)

Die Abfüllung (bottling)

Der Füllstoff (filler material)

Verbos

Ausfüllen (to fill out)

Auffüllen (to refill)

Anfüllen (to fill up)

Befüllen (to fill technical)

Einfüllen (to pour in)

Adjetivos

Gefüllt (filled)

Füllig (plump/full)

Überfüllt (overcrowded)

Abgefüllt (bottled)

Füllbar (fillable)

Relacionado

Voll

Völlig

Fülle

Füllen

Überfülle

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Como usar

frequency

Very frequent in both spoken and written German.

Erros comuns

Ich fülle das Formular. → Ich fülle das Formular aus.
You must use the separable verb 'ausfüllen' for forms and documents.
Ich fülle das Glas von Wasser. → Ich fülle das Glas mit Wasser.
The correct preposition is 'mit' followed by the dative case.
Der Raum füllt mit Leuten. → Der Raum füllt sich mit Leuten.
When a space is becoming full, you must use the reflexive 'sich'.
Ich fühle die Flasche. → Ich fülle die Flasche.
Confusing 'fühlen' (to feel) with 'füllen' (to fill).
Füllen Sie mein Auto. → Tanken Sie mein Auto.
For vehicles and fuel, the specific verb 'tanken' is used.

Dicas

Check the Object

Always ensure your object is in the accusative case. 'Ich fülle DEN Eimer' (masculine accusative).

Learn Prefixes

The prefixes 'aus-', 'auf-', and 'be-' are very common. Learning them together with 'füllen' will triple your vocabulary efficiency.

Short vs. Long

Remember: Füllen (short ü) = to fill. Fühlen (long ü) = to feel. Don't mix them up in conversation!

Menu Reading

When you see 'gefüllt' on a German menu, it always means 'stuffed' or 'filled'. It's a key word for foodies.

Form Filling

In any German office, you will hear 'ausfüllen'. It is one of the most important 'administrative' verbs.

Abstract Filling

Don't be afraid to use 'füllen' for silence, time, or emotions. It makes your German sound more natural and descriptive.

Sich Füllen

Use the reflexive 'sich füllen' when talking about crowds or containers filling up 'on their own' or as a process.

Technical German

In a factory or lab setting, use 'befüllen' to sound more professional and precise.

The Funnel Rule

Imagine the 'ü' dots are two drops of water falling through a funnel to 'füllen' a bottle.

Daily Action

Every time you pour a drink today, say 'Ich fülle mein Glas' to lock in the verb.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Full' glass. To make it 'Full', you have to 'Füllen' it. The 'ü' looks like a little cup with two eyes watching it get full.

Associação visual

Visualize a funnel (Trichter) being used to 'füllen' a bottle. The shape of the 'ü' reminds you of the funnel's top.

Word Web

Voll Flasche Wasser Glas Ausfüllen Formular Auffüllen Tank

Desafio

Try to find five things in your kitchen that you can 'füllen' and say the sentences out loud in German.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old High German 'fullen', which comes from the Proto-Germanic '*fullijaną'.

Significado original: To make full, related to the adjective 'full' (voll).

Germanic, related to English 'to fill' and Dutch 'vullen'.

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; 'füllen' is a neutral, everyday verb.

English speakers use 'fill' for both physical objects and forms, but German splits this into 'füllen' and 'ausfüllen'.

Gefüllte Paprika (German dish) Pelikan Füller (famous pen brand) Das Sommerloch (cultural phenomenon)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

In the Kitchen

Den Topf füllen
Die Paprika füllen
Mit Wasser füllen
Einfüllen

At the Office

Das Formular ausfüllen
Die Lücke füllen
Den Drucker füllen
Daten füllen

At the Gas Station

Den Tank füllen
Den Ersatzkanister füllen
Luft füllen
Auffüllen

At a Restaurant

Das Glas auffüllen
Gefüllte Pasta
Wein einschenken
Nachfüllen

Emotions

Mit Stolz füllen
Mit Freude füllen
Das Herz füllen
Die Leere füllen

Iniciadores de conversa

"Könnten Sie bitte mein Glas noch einmal auffüllen?"

"Welche Art von gefüllter Pasta magst du am liebsten?"

"Muss ich dieses Formular komplett ausfüllen?"

"Wie füllst du normalerweise deine Freizeit am Wochenende?"

"Soll ich die Vase mit frischem Wasser füllen?"

Temas para diário

Was füllt dein Herz mit Freude, wenn du an deine Kindheit denkst?

Beschreibe einen Tag, den du komplett mit produktiven Aktivitäten füllen konntest.

Welche Marktlücke würdest du gerne mit einer neuen Erfindung füllen?

Hast du schon einmal eine gefüllte Speise selbst gekocht? Beschreibe den Prozess.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn sich ein Raum langsam mit Menschen füllt?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, you should use 'ausfüllen'. 'Füllen' is for physical containers like glasses or bags. Using 'füllen' for a form sounds like you are pouring liquid on it.

'Füllen' is the general everyday word. 'Befüllen' is more technical and formal, often used in industrial contexts or for large containers like industrial tanks.

Yes, it is a weak (regular) verb. Its forms are: füllen (infinitive), füllte (past), hat gefüllt (perfect). It does not change its stem vowel.

You can use 'auffüllen' or 'nachfüllen'. 'Auffüllen' is common for drinks, while 'nachfüllen' is common for supplies like printer ink or soap.

The preposition 'mit' (with) is used followed by the dative case. For example: 'Ich fülle das Glas mit Wasser' (with the water).

Yes, reflexively. 'Der Raum füllt sich' means the room is filling up with people. You can also 'fill' a position in a company.

It is a short 'ü'. Round your lips as if to say 'oo' but try to say 'ee'. Because it is followed by a double 'l', the vowel is short.

It means 'stuffed peppers'. 'Gefüllt' is the past participle used as an adjective here.

Yes, dentists use 'füllen' or the noun 'Füllung'. 'Der Zahnarzt füllt den Zahn' is correct.

Yes, you can 'eine Lücke füllen' in a schedule or 'die Zeit füllen' with activities.

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