German word

waschen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaʃən/

Meaning

  • verbwash

Example

Ich wasche mir das Gesicht.

I wash my face.

Illustration for waschen (wash)

More examples

Nach dem Sport wasche ich mir die Hände.

After exercising, I wash my hands.

Core concept

Water and often soap pass over a person, garment, or object, carrying loosened dirt away.

Common phrases

  • sich die Hände waschen

    wash one's hands

  • die Wäsche waschen

    do the laundry

  • das Geschirr waschen

    wash the dishes

  • das Gesicht waschen

    wash one's face

Similar words

abwaschen: Clean dishes or a work surface by washing away dirt and food.
spülen: Clean something by rinsing away dirt or soap with water.
sich waschen: Wash a body part to keep it clean, using water or soap.
putzen: Clean something by rubbing or wiping away dust and dirt with a cloth or brush.

Definition in German

Mit Wasser (oft mit Seife) etwas reinigen, sodass Schmutz entfernt wird.

Word origin

Old High German wascan is the earlier recorded form of German waschen, which belongs to the inherited Germanic family containing English wash.

Usage tips

  • With a body part as the object, German often uses a dative reflexive pronoun: "Ich wasche mir das Gesicht."

Other meanings

  • do the laundryverb
  • wash offverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Waschmaschinewashing machinenoun
  • Waschmitteldetergentnoun
  • waschbarwashableadjective

Word lists with this word