German word

säubern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɔɪ̯bɐn/

Meaning

  • verbclean

Example

Ich säubere das Haus jeden Samstag.

I clean the house every Saturday.

Illustration for säubern (clean)

More examples

Nach dem Essen säubert sie die Küche gründlich.

After the meal, she thoroughly cleans the kitchen.

Core concept

A careful cleaning pass removes dirt from a house, tool, or other solid surface.

Common phrases

  • die Küche säubern

    clean the kitchen

  • die Fenster säubern

    clean the windows

  • den Computer säubern

    clean the computer

Similar words

putzen: Everyday scrubbing or wiping removes dirt with a cloth or brush.
reinigen: A hygienic treatment removes dirt or germs with chemicals or equipment.
sauber machen: A rough, informal cleaning uses the hands or simple tools to remove dirt.
aufräumen: An organizing task puts things in order and reduces clutter.

Definition in German

einen Gegenstand oder eine Fläche gründlich reinigen

Word origin

The verb säubern comes from sauber and preserves the adjective's core meaning while adding the sense of making something clean.

Usage tips

  • In everyday household speech, putzen is often more natural, while säubern is common in formal or technical descriptions.

Other meanings

  • cleanseverb

Opposites

  • verunreinigencontaminateverb

Related words

  • Säuberungsaktioncleanup operationnoun
  • Säuberungsmaßnahmecleaning measurenoun

Word lists with this word