besen

Besen is the German noun for broom, a cleaning tool consisting of a handle and a bundle of bristles or fibers used to sweep dirt from floors and other surfaces. Brooms vary in size and material, with indoor models typically using softer bristles and outdoor models using stiffer fibers.

Traditional brooms use natural fibers such as straw (Strohbesen) or broomcorn, bound to a handle with twine or wire. Modern versions often employ synthetic bristles and reinforced handles made of wood, metal, or plastic. Common variants include Kehrbesen (hand broom) and Straßenbesen (street broom).

Etymology and relations: The word is of Germanic origin, with cognates in related West Germanic languages; for example Dutch bezem. The English term broom is a different lineage. In German, Besen also appears in literature and folklore as a symbol of cleaning and, in folklore, of witches’ flight on a broomstick.

Usage and culture: Brooms are ubiquitous in households and industries for sweeping hard surfaces and debris. In culture, the Besen is a familiar motif linked to cleanliness and to witches in myths and fairy tales. The word may also appear as a surname or in place names.