durchrühren

Durchrühren is a German verb meaning to stir through or to mix thoroughly in a way that distributes all components evenly throughout a substance. The prefix durch- indicates moving the stirring action from one part of the mixture to the entire mass, rather than merely sweeping the surface.

The term is commonly used in cooking and baking, where it describes blending ingredients until a uniform texture or flavor is achieved. It also appears in scientific, cosmetic, and industrial contexts, such as emulsions, solutions, or pastes, where thorough mixing is required to prevent separation. In contrast to umrühren, which can imply a gentler or more superficial stirring, durchrühren emphasizes thorough integration of components.

Grammatically, durchrühren is a separable prefix verb in German. In present tense you typically say ich rühre die Soße durch, and in past or perfect tenses the prefix moves to the end of the clause or is combined with the auxiliary: ich habe die Soße durchgerührt. Passive or imperative forms follow standard German patterns, with the action described as performed through the entirety of the mixture.

Practical guidance: use a suitable implement such as a spoon, whisk, or mixer, depending on the substance. Stir or whisk from the bottom to the top to avoid unmixed pockets, and be mindful of over-stirring, which can affect texture in delicate batters or emulsions. Example: “Rühre die Soße gut durch, bis sie homogen ist.”