German word

Staub

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃtaʊ̯p/

Meaning

  • masculine noundust

Example

Ich wische den Staub vom Regal.

I wipe the dust from the shelf.

Illustration for Staub (dust)

More examples

Das Auto war nach der Fahrt voller Staub.

After the drive, the car was full of dust.

Core concept

A thin gray film gathers on a shelf while tiny particles drift through a beam of light.

Common phrases

  • den Staub wischen

    wipe off the dust

  • den Staub saugen

    vacuum the dust

  • Staub aufwirbeln

    whip up dust

Similar words

Schmutz: Various kinds of dirt that collect on or stain a surface.
Dreck: Heavy, mud-like grime picked up outdoors or during dirty work.
Fussel: A tiny fiber or fluff fragment that clings to fabric or clothing.

Definition in German

Kleine, trockene Teilchen, die sich auf Oberflächen oder in der Luft ablagern; meist unzählbar.

Word origin

Staub is an inherited Germanic noun, recorded in Old High German as stoub and preserved with related forms in other Germanic languages.

Usage tips

  • Staub is normally a mass noun, so everyday German uses viel Staub or kein Staub rather than a plural.

Opposites

  • Sauberkeitcleanlinessnoun
  • Reinheitpuritynoun

Related words

  • staubigdustyadjective
  • verstaubenbecome dustyverb
  • Staubteilchenparticle of dustnoun

Word lists with this word