Essential Laundry Vocabulary in German
Basic Terms
- die Wäsche – laundry (the clothes to be washed)
- das Waschmittel – detergent
- die Waschmaschine – washing machine
- der Waschgang – wash cycle
- das Waschprogramm – wash program
- die Schleuder – spin cycle
- das Weichspüler – fabric softener
- das Trocknen – drying
- der Trockner – dryer
- der Wäscheständer – drying rack
- das Bügeln – ironing
- das Bügeleisen – iron
- das Bügelbrett – ironing board
- die Flecken – stains
- der Fleckenentferner – stain remover
Types of Laundry
- die Buntwäsche – colored laundry
- die Weißwäsche – white laundry
- die Feinwäsche – delicate laundry
- die Kochwäsche – boil wash (hot wash)
- die Handwäsche – hand wash
Common Laundry Actions
- waschen – to wash
- trocknen – to dry
- spülen – to rinse
- schleudern – to spin
- bügeln – to iron
- aufhängen – to hang up
- zusammenlegen – to fold
Dry Cleaning Vocabulary in German
Key Terms
- die Reinigung – dry cleaning (the shop and the process)
- chemische Reinigung – chemical cleaning (dry cleaning process)
- der Reinigungsservice – cleaning service
- die Annahmestelle – drop-off point
- die Abholung – pick-up
- der Abholschein – pick-up slip/receipt
- die Expressreinigung – express cleaning
- die Garderobe – wardrobe/garments
Common Phrases at the Dry Cleaner
- Könnten Sie diesen Anzug reinigen? – Could you clean this suit?
- Wann kann ich die Kleidung abholen? – When can I pick up the clothes?
- Gibt es einen Express-Service? – Is there an express service?
- Können Sie diesen Fleck entfernen? – Can you remove this stain?
- Wie viel kostet die Reinigung? – How much does the cleaning cost?
Useful Tips for Laundry and Dry Cleaning in Germany
Understanding Laundry Symbols
German clothing labels often use universal laundry symbols. Familiarizing yourself with these icons can prevent laundry mishaps. For example, a basin with a hand indicates hand wash only (Handwäsche), while a triangle with a cross means no bleach (nicht bleichen).
Laundromats and Services
Laundromats are called Waschsalon in German, and you might encounter terms like Münzwaschmaschine (coin-operated washing machine). Many cities also offer pickup and delivery dry cleaning services, often advertised as Reinigungsservice mit Abholung und Lieferung.
How to Practice and Remember Laundry Vocabulary
Using apps like Talkpal can help reinforce your vocabulary through interactive language learning. Try labeling items at home with their German names, or make flashcards to memorize essential terms. Practice speaking by simulating real-life scenarios, such as dropping off clothes at the dry cleaner or asking about stain removal.
Conclusion
Learning the vocabulary for laundry and dry cleaning is a practical step towards mastering German for everyday life. With these terms and phrases, you can handle household chores, communicate your needs clearly, and avoid common misunderstandings. Keep practicing with resources like Talkpal’s AI language learning blog, and soon you’ll navigate laundry day in Germany with ease and confidence.
