German word

staubsaugen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtaʊ̯pˌzaʊ̯gn̩/

Meaning

  • verbvacuum

Example

Wir haben gestern die Treppe staubgesaugt.

We vacuumed the stairs yesterday.

Illustration for staubsaugen (vacuum)

More examples

Am Wochenende sollte man regelmäßig staubsaugen.

At the weekend, one should vacuum regularly.

Core concept

A vacuum cleaner traces the floor, carpet, or upholstery and removes its fine surface dirt.

Common phrases

  • regelmäßig staubsaugen

    vacuum regularly

  • das Sofa staubsaugen

    vacuum the sofa

Similar words

Staub saugen: Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner, especially in casual speech.
saugen: Draw in air, liquid, or small particles through the mouth or a machine.
staubwischen: Remove dust from furniture and other surfaces with a cloth or duster.
putzen: Clean surfaces by wiping away dirt or polishing them with a cloth or tool.

Definition in German

eine Tätigkeit, bei der mit einem Staubsauger Schmutz und kleine Partikel von Fußboden, Teppich oder Polstern abgesaugt werden

Word origin

The compound verb joins the noun Staub ('dust') to the verb saugen ('to suck'), naming the action of sucking up dust.

Usage tips

  • The activity can take an accusative object, as in die Treppe staubsaugen ('vacuum the stairs'), rather than requiring a preposition.

Opposites

Related words

  • staubgesaugtvacuumedadjective
  • Staubsaugerfunktionvacuum-cleaner functionnoun

Word lists with this word