German word

putzen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpʊt͡sn̩/

Meaning

  • verbclean

Example

Ich putze das Zimmer.

I clean the room.

Illustration for putzen (clean)

More examples

Morgens putze ich mir die Zähne.

In the morning, I brush my teeth.

Core concept

A cloth, sponge, or brush turns a dusty surface into a clean, sometimes shiny one.

Common phrases

  • die Zähne putzen

    brush one's teeth

  • die Brille putzen

    wipe one's glasses

  • die Schuhe putzen

    polish one's shoes

Similar words

aufräumen: Clearing a messy room by putting belongings where they belong.
wischen: Wiping or mopping a floor to remove grime and excess water.
staubsaugen: Removing dust and waste from floors or carpets by vacuuming.
reinigen: Deep-cleaning surfaces with appropriate equipment or detergents.

Definition in German

Schmutz oder Staub von einer Oberfläche oder in einem Raum entfernen, indem man wischt, schrubbt oder abwischt.

Word origin

The older German forms butzen and putzen included meanings related to cleaning and adorning, which developed into the modern uses of putzen for cleaning and polishing.

Usage tips

  • Putzen removes dirt, whereas aufräumen primarily means putting things away or restoring order.

Other meanings

  • polishverb
  • wipeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • die Putzfraucleaning womannoun
  • das Putzmittelcleaning agentnoun
  • der Putzercleanernoun

Word lists with this word