verstreichen
/fɛɐ̯ˈʃtʁaɪ̯çn̩/
to pass by, to elapse
Die Zeit verstreicht schnell.
Time passes quickly.
general
To pass by or elapse (of time).
Die Frist ist verstreichen.
The deadline has passed.
Often used with time-related nouns like 'Zeit' (time) or 'Frist' (deadline).
general
To spread or smear (a substance).
Er verstreicht die Butter auf dem Brot.
He spreads the butter on the bread.
Less common meaning, often used with creams, ointments, or similar substances.
Collocations
Zeit verstreichen lassento let time passFrist verstreichento let a deadline pass
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Separable Prefix
Remember that 'verstreichen' is a separable verb, so in certain tenses, the prefix 'ver-' can be placed at the end of the sentence.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'verstrīchen', from 'ver-' (prefix indicating completion) + 'strīchen' (to smear or spread).
Usage Notes
The verb is separable, meaning the prefix 'ver-' can be separated in certain grammatical contexts.
Word Breakdown
ver-
prefix indicating completion or change
prefixstreichen
to smear or spread
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