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saugen

to vacuum, to hoover

verb ZOW-gen Rare

Also means

to suck

Usage Note

saugen in a household context almost always means vacuuming (staubsaugen). The shortened colloquial form saugen (rather than staubsaugen) is natural and common: Ich muss noch saugen means 'I still have to vacuum'. Also the literal meaning 'to suck' in other contexts.

Examples

"Bevor die Gäste kommen, muss er noch schnell saugen."

Natural Translation

Before the guests arrive he still needs to quickly vacuum.

Literal Translation

Before the guests come he still must quickly vacuum.

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