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B1 noun #9,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

Waschküche

Top 9,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Waschküche en 30 secondes

Explication Waschküche in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Waschküche' is a room where you wash clothes. It is a feminine noun, so you say 'die Waschküche'. In your first German lessons, you learn about rooms in a house like 'die Küche' (the kitchen) and 'das Badezimmer' (the bathroom). 'Waschküche' is similar. You can remember it by thinking of it as the 'kitchen' for 'washing'. You might hear your teacher say: 'Wo ist die Waschküche?' (Where is the laundry room?). You should be able to identify this room on a floor plan. It is almost always in the basement of a house. It is a simple compound word: 'waschen' (to wash) + 'Küche' (kitchen). Even at this level, you can start using it in basic sentences like 'Die Waschküche ist klein' (The laundry room is small) or 'Ich gehe in die Waschküche' (I am going to the laundry room). It is a very practical word for daily life in Germany.

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At the A2 level, you can describe what is inside the 'Waschküche'. You know words like 'die Waschmaschine' (the washing machine) and 'der Wäschekorb' (the laundry basket). You can use 'Waschküche' with basic prepositions of place and movement. For example, 'Die Waschmaschine steht in der Waschküche' (The washing machine is in the laundry room). You can also talk about simple routines: 'Am Samstag wasche ich meine Kleidung in der Waschküche' (On Saturday I wash my clothes in the laundry room). You might need to ask neighbors about the laundry room if you live in an apartment. 'Darf ich die Waschküche heute benutzen?' (May I use the laundry room today?). You are also learning more about the plural forms of nouns, so remember that one 'Waschküche' becomes two 'Waschküchen'. You can also start to use adjectives to describe the room, such as 'hell' (bright), 'dunkel' (dark), or 'feucht' (damp).

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At the B1 level, you can handle the social and practical aspects of the 'Waschküche'. In Germany, communal laundry rooms have rules, often called the 'Hausordnung'. You should be able to read a 'Waschplan' (laundry schedule) and understand when it is your turn to use the room. You can discuss problems with the 'Waschküche', such as a broken machine or a leak. 'Die Waschmaschine in der Waschküche ist kaputt, wir müssen den Hausmeister rufen' (The washing machine in the laundry room is broken, we must call the caretaker). You can also use the word in more complex sentence structures, like relative clauses: 'Die Waschküche, die sich im Keller befindet, ist sehr modern' (The laundry room, which is located in the basement, is very modern). You understand that the 'Waschküche' is a shared space and requires coordination with others. You can also express opinions about the room, for example, if it is too small or if the ventilation is poor.

At the B2 level, you can talk about the technical and organizational details of a 'Waschküche'. You might discuss the energy efficiency of the machines in the 'Waschküche' or the cost of water and electricity. You can use the word in formal contexts, such as writing an email to your landlord about the state of the communal facilities. 'Ich möchte mich über den Zustand der Waschküche beschweren' (I would like to complain about the condition of the laundry room). You are also familiar with related terms like 'Hauswirtschaftsraum' and can explain the difference between a private laundry room and a communal 'Waschküche'. You can use more advanced grammar, such as the passive voice: 'Die Waschküche muss einmal pro Woche gereinigt werden' (The laundry room must be cleaned once a week). You can also participate in discussions about how to improve the shared spaces in your building, including the 'Waschküche'.

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At the C1 level, you understand the cultural and historical nuances of the word 'Waschküche'. You can discuss how the design of the 'Waschküche' has changed over time and what this says about German society and the role of domestic labor. You might encounter the word in literature or high-level journalism, where it could be used metaphorically or to evoke a specific atmosphere of post-war Germany or traditional family life. You can use the word with precision in complex arguments about urban planning or apartment design. 'Die Zentralisierung der Waschküche in modernen Wohnkomplexen fördert die soziale Interaktion' (The centralization of the laundry room in modern housing complexes promotes social interaction). You are comfortable with all grammatical cases and can use 'Waschküche' in idiomatic expressions or creative writing. You also recognize the regional variations in how such rooms are named or utilized across German-speaking countries.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'Waschküche' and its various connotations. You can analyze the word's etymology and its place within the broader German vocabulary of domestic architecture. You can appreciate subtle puns or literary references involving the 'Waschküche'. You can discuss the sociological implications of the 'Waschküche' as a 'third space' between the private home and the public sphere. Your use of the word is effortless, whether you are describing a mundane chore or writing a sophisticated architectural critique. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic or legal documents regarding communal spaces like the 'Waschküche' without any difficulty. You might even use the term in a historical analysis of the 'Wirtschaftswunder' era, discussing how the proliferation of modern 'Waschküchen' transformed the lives of German women. Your understanding is deep, encompassing the sensory, social, and structural aspects of the term.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Waschküche en 30 secondes

Waschküche is the German word for a laundry room, typically found in the basement of houses or apartment buildings for washing and drying clothes.
It is a feminine noun (die Waschküche) and is often a communal space in German apartments, requiring adherence to shared schedules and rules.
The word is a compound of 'waschen' (to wash) and 'Küche' (kitchen), reflecting its historical role as a place where laundry was 'cooked'.
Commonly used prepositions with Waschküche include 'in die' for movement (accusative) and 'in der' for location (dative), essential for B1 learners.

The German word Waschküche is a compound noun that translates literally to "wash kitchen." In a modern context, it refers to a laundry room or a utility room specifically designated for washing and drying clothes. While in many English-speaking countries, laundry facilities might be tucked away in a small closet or integrated into a bathroom, the German Waschküche often carries a specific cultural and architectural weight. In many traditional German apartment buildings (especially those known as Altbau), the Waschküche is a communal space located in the basement (Keller). This shared nature of the room means it is not just a place for chores, but a site of social interaction and, occasionally, neighborly friction regarding schedules and cleanliness.

Architectural Context: In older German architecture, the Waschküche was designed with heavy-duty plumbing and floor drains to handle the overflow of manual washing tubs. Today, these rooms are lined with individual washing machines and dryers belonging to different tenants, often connected to their specific electricity meters.
Social Dynamics: The use of a shared Waschküche is usually governed by a Waschplan (laundry schedule). Understanding the etiquette of this room is essential for anyone living in a German Mehrfamilienhaus (multi-family house). It is a place where rules about quiet hours (Ruhezeiten) are strictly enforced.
Modern Evolution: In newer constructions or private single-family homes, the Waschküche might be called a Hauswirtschaftsraum (utility room), reflecting a broader use for storage and general housework, but the term Waschküche remains the most evocative and commonly used term for the dedicated laundry space.

Ich muss heute Abend noch in die Waschküche gehen, um meine Bettwäsche zu waschen.

Translation: I have to go to the laundry room tonight to wash my bedsheets.

Die Waschküche befindet sich im untersten Stockwerk des Hauses.

Translation: The laundry room is located on the lowest floor of the house.

Wer hat seine nassen Socken in der Waschküche vergessen?

Translation: Who forgot their wet socks in the laundry room?

Historically, the Waschküche was the heart of domestic labor. Before the advent of electric washing machines, it was a humid, steam-filled room where large copper kettles were used to boil laundry. This historical imagery still lingers in the word, which combines "washing" with "kitchen," suggesting a place where things are "cooked" or processed. Even today, the smell of detergent and the rhythmic hum of machines define the atmosphere of the Waschküche. For many Germans, the trek down to the basement to the Waschküche is a weekly ritual that signifies the maintenance of order and cleanliness in the household.

In unserer Waschküche hängen wir die Wäsche oft zum Trocknen auf.

Translation: In our laundry room, we often hang the laundry to dry.

Der Zugang zur Waschküche ist nur mit einem speziellen Schlüssel möglich.

Translation: Access to the laundry room is only possible with a special key.

Using the word Waschküche correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (feminine) and how it fits into prepositional phrases. Because it is a physical location, you will most frequently use it with prepositions like in, nach, or aus. When you are moving toward the room, you use the accusative case: in die Waschküche. When you are already inside the room, you use the dative case: in der Waschküche. This distinction is crucial for CEFR B1 learners who are mastering two-way prepositions.

Movement vs. Location: Movement: "Ich gehe in die Waschküche." (I am going into the laundry room.) Location: "Ich bin in der Waschküche." (I am in the laundry room.)
Possessive Usage: When describing the room's condition: "Unsere Waschküche ist sehr sauber." (Our laundry room is very clean.)
Common Verbs: Verbs frequently paired with Waschküche include reinigen (to clean), betreten (to enter), nutzen (to use), and renovieren (to renovate).

Könntest du bitte den Korb in die Waschküche bringen?

Translation: Could you please bring the basket into the laundry room?

Es riecht in der ganzen Waschküche nach frischem Weichspüler.

Translation: The whole laundry room smells like fresh fabric softener.

Die Vermieterin hat neue Regeln für die Waschküche aufgestellt.

Translation: The landlady has established new rules for the laundry room.

In more complex sentences, Waschküche can be used as part of a compound or as a subject in passive constructions. For example, when discussing building maintenance, one might say, "Die Waschküche wird diese Woche gestrichen" (The laundry room is being painted this week). It can also be personified in a lighthearted way to describe the state of one's chores: "Die Waschküche ruft!" (The laundry room is calling, meaning I have a lot of laundry to do). When writing about daily routines, it serves as a anchor point for tasks related to domesticity and organization.

Wegen des Wasserschadens bleibt die Waschküche vorerst geschlossen.

Translation: Due to water damage, the laundry room will remain closed for the time being.

In der Waschküche gibt es zwei Waschmaschinen und einen Trockner.

Translation: In the laundry room, there are two washing machines and a dryer.

You will encounter the word Waschküche in several distinct environments in German-speaking countries. The most common is in the context of residential living. If you are looking for an apartment, the real estate agent or the online listing (Exposé) will mention whether the building has a Waschküche or if there is a Waschmaschinenanschluss (washing machine connection) in the apartment itself. Hearing this word often triggers thoughts of logistics: How do I get my heavy laundry basket down the stairs? Is there a lift?

Residential Listings: "Das Objekt verfügt über eine gemeinschaftliche Waschküche im Keller." (The property has a communal laundry room in the basement.)
Neighborly Disputes: In the hallways or at the mailbox, you might hear: "Haben Sie gesehen, wer gestern den Müll in der Waschküche gelassen hat?" (Did you see who left the trash in the laundry room yesterday?)
Family Life: Parents often tell their children: "Bring deine Schmutzwäsche bitte direkt in die Waschküche." (Please take your dirty laundry directly to the laundry room.)

Der Hausmeister hat einen Zettel an die Tür der Waschküche geklebt.

Translation: The caretaker stuck a note on the laundry room door.

In der Waschküche trifft man oft die Nachbarn zum Plaudern.

Translation: In the laundry room, you often meet the neighbors for a chat.

Furthermore, in literature or films set in Germany, the Waschküche is often depicted as a place of secrets or a setting for clandestine meetings. Because it is a semi-private, semi-public space, it provides a unique narrative backdrop. In older literature, you might read about the Waschfrau (washerwoman) working in the Waschküche, emphasizing the room's history as a place of hard, physical labor. In modern media, it's more likely to be the site of a mundane but relatable comedy about the complexities of shared living and the "war" over the laundry schedule.

Die Waschküche war der einzige kühle Ort im ganzen Haus während des Sommers.

Translation: The laundry room was the only cool place in the whole house during the summer.

Wir haben gestern eine neue Waschmaschine für unsere Waschküche gekauft.

Translation: We bought a new washing machine for our laundry room yesterday.

Learning to use Waschküche correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls. The most frequent errors involve gender, pluralization, and confusion with similar-sounding or related rooms. Since German has three genders, English speakers often struggle with the fact that Waschküche is feminine (die). Using the masculine der or neuter das will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker and can lead to incorrect adjective endings.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: "Das Waschküche ist im Keller." Correct: "Die Waschküche ist im Keller." Remember that nouns ending in -e are often feminine, especially when the core word is die Küche.
Pluralization Errors: The plural is Waschküchen. Avoid saying "Waschkücher" or "Waschküches".
Confusion with 'Badezimmer': While some people have washing machines in their Badezimmer (bathroom), the Waschküche is a distinct, separate room specifically for laundry. Using the terms interchangeably can be confusing.

Falsch: Ich gehe in das Waschküche. Richtig: Ich gehe in die Waschküche.

Explanation: 'Waschküche' is feminine, requiring 'die' in the accusative case here.

Falsch: Die Waschkücher sind voll. Richtig: Die Waschküchen sind voll.

Explanation: The correct plural form ends in -n.

Another mistake is using the word Wäschezimmer. While understandable, it is much less common than Waschküche. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that the word refers to the room itself, not the act of washing. You don't "do the Waschküche," you "do the laundry" (Wäsche waschen) in the Waschküche. Paying attention to these nuances will help you sound more natural and precise in your German communication, especially when discussing household management or living arrangements.

Falsch: Ich mache die Waschküche. Richtig: Ich wasche die Wäsche in der Waschküche.

Explanation: You perform the action of washing laundry inside the room.

Verwechseln Sie nicht Waschküche mit Spülküche (a scullery or dishwashing area in a restaurant).

While Waschküche is the most standard term for a laundry room, there are several alternatives and related words depending on the context and the specific type of building. Understanding these synonyms will broaden your vocabulary and help you understand more technical or modern descriptions of living spaces.

Waschraum vs. Waschküche: Waschraum is a more general term. While it can mean laundry room, it is also frequently used for a washroom or restroom in public buildings or offices. Waschküche is almost exclusively residential.
Hauswirtschaftsraum (HWR): This is a modern, more formal term often found in architectural plans and real estate listings for new houses. It implies a room for laundry as well as other household tasks like ironing, storage of cleaning supplies, and sometimes a pantry.
Waschsalon: A commercial establishment (laundromat). Use this when you are going out to pay for machine use because you don't have a Waschküche at home.

In Neubauten wird die Waschküche oft als Hauswirtschaftsraum bezeichnet.

Translation: In new buildings, the laundry room is often referred to as a utility room.

Wenn meine Waschmaschine kaputt ist, gehe ich in den Waschsalon.

Translation: If my washing machine is broken, I go to the laundromat.

Der Waschraum in der Schule ist am Ende des Flurs.

Translation: The washroom in the school is at the end of the hallway.

Additionally, you might encounter the term Wirtschaftsküche, which is an older term for a secondary kitchen used for heavy food processing or laundry. In a very old house, you might also find a Rollkammer, a room where a massive wooden mangle (Wäschemangel) was kept for pressing sheets. While these terms are less common today, they reflect the rich history of domestic spaces in Germany. For a learner, sticking to Waschküche is the safest and most effective way to communicate your meaning in 95% of domestic situations.

Unsere Waschküche ist gleichzeitig ein Lagerraum für Vorräte.

Translation: Our laundry room is also a storage room for supplies.

Die Waschküche im Keller ist gemeinschaftliches Eigentum.

Translation: The laundry room in the basement is communal property.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In the 19th century, the Waschküche was often used as a temporary bedroom for traveling workers or poor relatives because it was the only room with a large stove for heat.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈvaʃˌkʏçə/

US /ˈvɑʃˌkʏçə/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: WASCH-kü-che.

Rime avec

Küche Sprüche Brüche Gerüche Flüche Tücher (approximate) Bücher (approximate) Pfirsiche (approximate)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'W' like an English 'W' (it should be a 'V' sound).
Pronouncing the 'ü' like a simple 'u' or 'i'.
Pronouncing the 'ch' like a 'k' or 'sh'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Neglecting the soft 'e' at the end.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as a compound of two common words.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'sch' and 'ü'.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'ü' and soft 'ch' can be challenging for beginners.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to hear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

waschen Küche Keller Haus Zimmer

Apprends ensuite

Waschmaschine Trockner Wäsche Hausordnung Miete

Avancé

Hauswirtschaftsraum Wäschemangel Feuchtigkeitsschaden Gemeinschaftseigentum Betriebskostenabrechnung

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Nouns Gender

The gender of a compound noun is always determined by the last element. Since 'die Küche' is feminine, 'die Waschküche' is also feminine.

Two-Way Prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen)

Use 'in die Waschküche' (accusative) for movement and 'in der Waschküche' (dative) for location.

Plural Noun Endings

Feminine nouns ending in -e usually add -n in the plural: Waschküche -> Waschküchen.

Genitive Case for Possession

The door of the laundry room = Die Tür der Waschküche.

Adjective Endings with Feminine Nouns

Eine saubere Waschküche (nominative), in einer sauberen Waschküche (dative).

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Exemples par niveau

Die Waschküche ist im Keller.

The laundry room is in the basement.

Basic 'Subject + Verb + Place' structure.

Wo ist die Waschküche?

Where is the laundry room?

Question word 'Wo' followed by the verb.

Ich gehe in die Waschküche.

I am going into the laundry room.

Accusative case after 'in' for movement.

Die Waschküche ist groß.

The laundry room is big.

Adjective used as a predicate.

Das ist meine Waschküche.

That is my laundry room.

Possessive pronoun 'meine' for feminine nouns.

Die Waschküche hat ein Fenster.

The laundry room has a window.

Third person singular of 'haben'.

Ist die Waschküche sauber?

Is the laundry room clean?

Yes/No question with verb in the first position.

Ich bin in der Waschküche.

I am in the laundry room.

Dative case after 'in' for location.

In der Waschküche stehen zwei Waschmaschinen.

There are two washing machines in the laundry room.

Dative location 'in der Waschküche'.

Wir waschen unsere Kleidung in der Waschküche.

We wash our clothes in the laundry room.

Present tense plural verb 'waschen'.

Die Waschküche ist heute sehr voll.

The laundry room is very full today.

Adverb 'heute' modifying the sentence.

Kommst du mit in die Waschküche?

Are you coming with me to the laundry room?

Separable verb 'mitkommen'.

Die Waschküche ist im Winter sehr kalt.

The laundry room is very cold in winter.

Prepositional phrase 'im Winter'.

Ich muss die Waschküche putzen.

I have to clean the laundry room.

Modal verb 'müssen' with infinitive 'putzen'.

Gibt es einen Trockner in der Waschküche?

Is there a dryer in the laundry room?

Phrase 'Gibt es' with accusative object.

Die Waschküche ist für alle Mieter.

The laundry room is for all tenants.

Preposition 'für' with accusative.

Haben Sie den Waschplan in der Waschküche gesehen?

Have you seen the laundry schedule in the laundry room?

Perfect tense 'haben ... gesehen'.

Ich habe meinen Schlüssel in der Waschküche vergessen.

I forgot my key in the laundry room.

Perfect tense of 'vergessen'.

Es ist verboten, nach 22 Uhr in der Waschküche zu waschen.

It is forbidden to wash in the laundry room after 10 PM.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Die Waschküche wurde letzte Woche frisch gestrichen.

The laundry room was freshly painted last week.

Passive voice in the past tense.

Können wir uns in der Waschküche treffen?

Can we meet in the laundry room?

Reflexive verb 'sich treffen'.

In der Waschküche gibt es oft Streit um die Termine.

In the laundry room, there are often arguments about the appointments.

Noun 'Streit' with preposition 'um'.

Ich hänge meine Wäsche lieber in der Waschküche auf.

I prefer to hang my laundry in the laundry room.

Separable verb 'aufhängen'.

Die Waschküche ist der feuchteste Raum im Haus.

The laundry room is the dampest room in the house.

Superlative 'feuchteste'.

Die Modernisierung der Waschküche hat viel Geld gekostet.

The modernization of the laundry room cost a lot of money.

Genitive case 'der Waschküche'.

Trotz der neuen Regeln ist die Waschküche oft unordentlich.

Despite the new rules, the laundry room is often messy.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

Die Waschküche dient auch als Abstellraum für Fahrräder.

The laundry room also serves as a storage room for bicycles.

Verb 'dienen' with preposition 'als'.

Wegen der hohen Luftfeuchtigkeit muss die Waschküche gut gelüftet werden.

Because of the high humidity, the laundry room must be well ventilated.

Passive voice with modal verb 'muss'.

Es ist wichtig, die Waschküche nach der Benutzung zu hinterlassen, wie man sie vorgefunden hat.

It is important to leave the laundry room after use as you found it.

Complex sentence with 'zu' infinitive and relative clause.

Die Waschküche ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der gemeinschaftlichen Einrichtungen.

The laundry room is an essential part of the communal facilities.

Adjective 'wesentlicher' in nominative feminine.

Seitdem die Waschküche renoviert wurde, waschen alle Mieter dort viel lieber.

Since the laundry room was renovated, all tenants prefer washing there.

Subordinating conjunction 'seitdem'.

In der Waschküche herrscht eine ganz eigene Atmosphäre.

A very unique atmosphere prevails in the laundry room.

Verb 'herrschen' meaning to prevail.

Die Waschküche fungiert als soziokultureller Treffpunkt innerhalb des Mietshauses.

The laundry room functions as a socio-cultural meeting point within the apartment building.

Academic vocabulary 'fungieren', 'soziokultureller'.

Die hygienischen Zustände in der Waschküche lassen zu wünschen übrig.

The hygienic conditions in the laundry room leave much to be desired.

Idiomatic expression 'zu wünschen übrig lassen'.

Die Waschküche ist ein Relikt aus einer Zeit, in der Hausarbeit kollektiv organisiert war.

The laundry room is a relic from a time when housework was organized collectively.

Relative clause 'in der...'.

Man sollte die Bedeutung der Waschküche für den nachbarschaftlichen Frieden nicht unterschätzen.

One should not underestimate the importance of the laundry room for neighborly peace.

Modal verb 'sollte' with negation and infinitive.

In der Waschküche manifestieren sich oft die unterschwelligen Konflikte der Hausgemeinschaft.

In the laundry room, the underlying conflicts of the house community often manifest.

Reflexive verb 'sich manifestieren'.

Die architektonische Eingliederung der Waschküche in den Kellerbereich ist typisch für die Nachkriegszeit.

The architectural integration of the laundry room into the basement area is typical of the post-war period.

Genitive attributes and professional terminology.

Obwohl die Waschküche funktional ist, mangelt es ihr oft an ästhetischem Reiz.

Although the laundry room is functional, it often lacks aesthetic appeal.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Die Waschküche wurde zum Schauplatz einer hitzigen Debatte über die Stromkosten.

The laundry room became the scene of a heated debate about electricity costs.

Prepositional phrase with 'zu' and genitive.

Die Waschküche, jener karge Ort der Reinigung, dient in seinem Werk oft als Metapher für die Seelenreinigung.

The laundry room, that barren place of cleansing, often serves in his work as a metaphor for spiritual purification.

Apposition and metaphorical use.

In der Waschküche verschwimmen die Grenzen zwischen privatem Rückzugsort und öffentlicher Verpflichtung.

In the laundry room, the boundaries between private retreat and public obligation blur.

Abstract concept with 'verschwimmen'.

Die Transformation der Waschküche zum modernen Hauswirtschaftsraum spiegelt den Wandel der häuslichen Arbeitsteilung wider.

The transformation of the laundry room into a modern utility room reflects the change in the domestic division of labor.

Separable verb 'widerspiegeln' with complex subject.

Es ist bemerkenswert, wie die Waschküche trotz technologischer Fortschritte ihre soziale Funktion behauptet hat.

It is remarkable how the laundry room has maintained its social function despite technological advances.

Indirect question with 'wie' and perfect tense.

Die Waschküche evoziert bei vielen eine nostalgische Erinnerung an den Duft von Kernseife und heißem Dampf.

The laundry room evokes for many a nostalgic memory of the scent of curd soap and hot steam.

Sophisticated verb 'evozieren'.

Die rechtliche Auseinandersetzung um die Nutzungsrechte der Waschküche zog sich über Monate hin.

The legal dispute over the usage rights of the laundry room dragged on for months.

Complex noun phrase 'rechtliche Auseinandersetzung'.

In der Enge der Waschküche werden soziale Hierarchien oft auf subtile Weise neu ausgehandelt.

In the confinement of the laundry room, social hierarchies are often renegotiated in subtle ways.

Passive voice with 'werden ... ausgehandelt'.

Die Waschküche stellt ein faszinierendes Untersuchungsobjekt für die Alltagsgeschichte dar.

The laundry room represents a fascinating object of study for the history of everyday life.

Separable verb 'darstellen'.

Collocations courantes

gemeinsame Waschküche

Waschküche im Keller

Waschküche benutzen

Waschküche reinigen

Waschküche betreten

Zugang zur Waschküche

Waschküche renovieren

Waschküche abschließen

Regeln für die Waschküche

Waschküche lüften

Phrases Courantes

In die Waschküche gehen

— To go to the laundry room to start, check, or collect laundry.

Ich muss mal kurz in die Waschküche gehen.

Aus der Waschküche kommen

— To return from the laundry room, often carrying clean clothes.

Sie kommt gerade mit der frischen Wäsche aus der Waschküche.

In der Waschküche arbeiten

— To perform tasks like washing, drying, or ironing in the laundry room.

Er arbeitet den ganzen Vormittag in der Waschküche.

Die Waschküche ist besetzt

— The laundry room (or the machines in it) is currently being used by someone else.

Leider ist die Waschküche gerade besetzt.

Die Waschküche aufräumen

— To tidy up the laundry room, putting away detergent or folding racks.

Könntest du bitte die Waschküche aufräumen?

Die Waschküche ist feucht

— Describing the high humidity often found in laundry rooms.

Die Waschküche ist nach dem Trocknen immer sehr feucht.

Waschküche mit Tageslicht

— A laundry room that has windows, considered a luxury in basements.

Wir haben eine schöne Waschküche mit Tageslicht.

Waschküche zur Mitbenutzung

— A phrase in rental ads meaning the laundry room is shared with others.

Die Wohnung bietet eine Waschküche zur Mitbenutzung.

Schlüssel für die Waschküche

— The specific key needed to access a shared laundry facility.

Wo ist der Schlüssel für die Waschküche?

Waschküche im Erdgeschoss

— A laundry room located on the ground floor, easier to access than the basement.

Zum Glück ist unsere Waschküche im Erdgeschoss.

Souvent confondu avec

Waschküche vs Waschraum

Waschraum can also mean a bathroom or restroom, whereas Waschküche is specifically for laundry.

Waschküche vs Spülküche

Spülküche is for washing dishes, usually in professional settings.

Waschküche vs Waschsalon

Waschsalon is a public business; Waschküche is a private or shared residential room.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Dreckige Wäsche waschen"

— To air dirty laundry; to discuss private or scandalous matters in public. While not using the word 'Waschküche', it is the core action associated with it.

Wir sollten unsere dreckige Wäsche nicht vor den Nachbarn waschen.

Informal

"In der Waschküche dampft es"

— Literally 'it's steaming in the laundry room', often used to describe a place where hard work is happening or where an argument is brewing.

In der Waschküche dampft es heute gewaltig, die Nachbarn streiten wieder.

Informal/Metaphorical

"Die Waschküche ruft"

— A humorous way to say that one has a lot of laundry to do and must go to the laundry room.

Ich kann leider nicht mitkommen, die Waschküche ruft!

Informal

"Ordnung in der Waschküche"

— Used to describe a well-organized life or household, as the laundry room is often the first place to become chaotic.

Bei ihr herrscht sogar Ordnung in der Waschküche.

Neutral

"Waschküchen-Wetter"

— Hot, humid, and muggy weather, similar to the atmosphere inside a laundry room.

Heute ist echtes Waschküchen-Wetter, man kommt kaum zum Atmen.

Informal

"Waschküchen-Diplomatie"

— The delicate art of negotiating with neighbors in a shared laundry room.

Man braucht viel Waschküchen-Diplomatie, um in diesem Haus zu überleben.

Informal/Humorous

"Sich in die Waschküche verziehen"

— To retreat to the laundry room to get some peace and quiet or to avoid someone.

Er hat sich in die Waschküche verzogen, um in Ruhe zu telefonieren.

Informal

"Die Waschküche als Beichtstuhl"

— Referring to the laundry room as a place where people share secrets while doing chores.

In unserer Waschküche werden die besten Geheimnisse verraten.

Informal/Literary

"Den Geist in der Waschküche aufgeben"

— When a washing machine or other appliance in the laundry room stops working.

Unsere alte Miele hat gestern in der Waschküche den Geist aufgegeben.

Informal

"Waschküchen-Idyll"

— An ironic or nostalgic description of a peaceful, clean laundry room.

Nach dem Putzen war die Waschküche ein wahres Waschküchen-Idyll.

Neutral/Ironical

Facile à confondre

Waschküche vs Badezimmer

Both involve water and cleaning.

Badezimmer is for personal hygiene; Waschküche is for cleaning textiles.

Ich dusche im Badezimmer, aber ich wasche meine Jeans in der Waschküche.

Waschküche vs Küche

The word 'Küche' is part of 'Waschküche'.

Küche is for food preparation; Waschküche is for laundry.

Ich koche in der Küche und wasche in der Waschküche.

Waschküche vs Keller

Waschküchen are often located in the Keller.

Keller is the whole basement level; Waschküche is one specific room in it.

Die Waschküche ist der sauberste Raum im Keller.

Waschküche vs Abstellraum

Both are utility rooms.

Abstellraum is primarily for storage; Waschküche must have water connections.

Die Koffer sind im Abstellraum, die Waschmaschine in der Waschküche.

Waschküche vs Waschmaschine

The machine and the room are closely related.

Waschmaschine is the appliance; Waschküche is the room containing it.

Die Waschmaschine steht in der Waschküche.

Structures de phrases

Das ist die [Substantiv].

Das ist die Waschküche.

Ich gehe in die [Substantiv].

Ich gehe in die Waschküche.

Ich muss [Substantiv] in der [Substantiv] [Verb].

Ich muss Wäsche in der Waschküche waschen.

Obwohl die [Substantiv] [Adjektiv] ist, [Verb] ich dort.

Obwohl die Waschküche klein ist, wasche ich dort.

Die [Substantiv] dient als [Substantiv] für [Substantiv].

Die Waschküche dient als Treffpunkt für Mieter.

In der [Substantiv] manifestiert sich [Abstraktum].

In der Waschküche manifestiert sich die häusliche Routine.

Können Sie mir sagen, wo die [Substantiv] ist?

Können Sie mir sagen, wo die Waschküche ist?

Die [Substantiv] ist im [Ort].

Die Waschküche ist im Keller.

Famille de mots

Noms

Waschmaschine

Waschbecken

Waschmittel

Waschgang

Waschtag

Verbes

waschen

abwaschen

aufwaschen

auswaschen

durchwaschen

Adjectifs

waschbar

waschecht

abwaschbar

ungewaschen

Apparenté

Wäsche

Trockner

Bügelbrett

Wäscheständer

Hausarbeit

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in everyday domestic language.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'der' instead of 'die'. → die Waschküche
German nouns ending in -e that are compounds with 'Küche' are always feminine.
Confusing 'Waschküche' with 'Waschbecken'. → Waschküche (room) vs. Waschbecken (sink)
A Waschküche is a room; a Waschbecken is the sink you wash your hands in.
Saying 'Ich wasche die Waschküche'. → Ich putze die Waschküche.
You 'waschen' clothes, but you 'putzen' or 'reinigen' a room.
Using 'in die' for location. → Ich bin in der Waschküche.
For static location, you must use the dative case 'der'.
Assuming every house has one. → Check for 'Waschmaschinenanschluss' in the apartment.
Some modern apartments have the machine in the bathroom, so there is no separate Waschküche.

Astuces

Clean the Lint Filter

If there is a shared dryer in the Waschküche, always clean the lint filter after use. It's a key part of German laundry etiquette and prevents fire hazards.

Remember the 'e' at the end

Don't forget the final 'e' in Waschküche. It's not 'Waschküch'. The 'e' is pronounced softly, like the 'a' in 'about'.

Compound Power

Learn 'Wasch' and 'Küche' separately. This will help you understand and remember hundreds of other German words like 'Waschbecken' or 'Einbauküche'.

Respect Quiet Hours

Avoid using the Waschküche during 'Ruhezeiten' (usually 10 PM to 7 AM and on Sundays), as the noise of the machines can disturb neighbors.

Label Your Stuff

In a shared Waschküche, it's a good idea to label your laundry basket or detergent to avoid mix-ups with neighbors.

Listen for 'Keller'

If someone mentions the 'Keller', they are often talking about going to the 'Waschküche'. The two are linked in the German domestic mind.

Use Dative for 'Inside'

When writing about being in the room, always use 'in der Waschküche'. This is a classic B1 level grammar point.

Small Talk

The Waschküche is a great place for low-stakes small talk with neighbors. A simple 'Hallo, ist die Maschine schon fertig?' can start a conversation.

Report Leaks

If you see water on the floor of the Waschküche, report it immediately to the Hausmeister. Basement floods are a common and serious issue.

Visualize the Room

Every time you do your own laundry, say the word 'Waschküche' to yourself. Linking the word to the physical action is the best way to learn.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of it as the 'Washing Kitchen'. Just as you cook food in a kitchen (Küche), you 'cook' your dirty clothes in the Waschküche to make them clean.

Association visuelle

Imagine a humid basement room filled with white machines and the smell of fresh linen. See the word 'WASCH' on the machines and 'KÜCHE' on the door.

Word Web

Waschen Küche Keller Waschmaschine Wäsche Sauberkeit Nachbarn Hausordnung

Défi

Try to describe your own laundry routine using the word 'Waschküche' at least three times in a short paragraph.

Origine du mot

The word is a compound of the Middle High German 'waschen' (to wash) and 'küche' (kitchen). It appeared as laundry tasks moved from outdoors (rivers/wells) to indoor dedicated spaces within the home structure.

Sens originel : A room for washing, often containing a hearth or stove to boil water.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that for some older generations, the Waschküche recalls memories of very hard, manual labor.

In the US or UK, this room is simply called the 'laundry room' or 'utility room'. The concept of a shared basement laundry room is common in cities like New York but less so in suburban areas.

Numerous German 'Tatort' crime episodes feature scenes in a dark, creepy Waschküche. The play 'Die Waschküche' by various local theater groups often explores neighborly conflicts. Loriot, the famous German humorist, often referenced domestic spaces like the Waschküche in his sketches.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Apartment Living

Wo ist die Waschküche?
Ist die Waschküche heute frei?
Haben Sie den Schlüssel für die Waschküche?
Der Waschplan hängt in der Waschküche.

Doing Chores

Ich muss in die Waschküche.
Die Wäsche ist noch in der Waschküche.
Ich habe die Waschküche sauber gemacht.
Der Korb steht in der Waschküche.

Real Estate

Gibt es eine Waschküche?
Die Waschküche ist im Keller.
Waschküche zur Mitbenutzung.
Eigene Waschküche vorhanden.

Building Maintenance

Das Licht in der Waschküche geht nicht.
Die Waschküche wird renoviert.
Wasser in der Waschküche.
Die Waschküche muss gelüftet werden.

Neighborly Interaction

Haben Sie meine Wäsche in der Waschküche gesehen?
Entschuldigung, ich bin mit der Waschküche gleich fertig.
In der Waschküche ist noch Platz.
Wer hat die Waschküche so schmutzig hinterlassen?

Amorces de conversation

"Wissen Sie, wann die Waschküche diese Woche frei ist?"

"Haben Sie auch Probleme mit der neuen Waschmaschine in der Waschküche?"

"Ich finde, die Waschküche bräuchte mal wieder einen neuen Anstrich, oder?"

"Warst du heute schon in der Waschküche? Ist der Trockner wieder besetzt?"

"Entschuldigung, gehört dieser Korb Ihnen? Er stand noch in der Waschküche."

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe die Waschküche in deinem Haus. Ist sie hell, dunkel, sauber oder unordentlich?

Schreibe über einen fiktiven Streit zwischen zwei Nachbarn in einer gemeinsamen Waschküche.

Wie hat sich die Art und Weise, wie wir waschen, im Vergleich zu früher verändert (Waschküche damals vs. heute)?

Stell dir vor, du findest einen geheimen Gegenstand in einer alten Waschküche. Was ist es?

Warum ist die Waschküche ein wichtiger Ort für das Zusammenleben in einem Mietshaus?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In traditional German apartment buildings, yes, it is almost always in the basement (Keller). However, in modern single-family houses, it can be on the ground floor or even the first floor for convenience. If it's on a main floor, it's often called a 'Hauswirtschaftsraum'.

If you live in a multi-family house (Mehrfamilienhaus), the Waschküche is usually a shared facility. Each tenant might have their own machine there, or there might be communal machines that operate with coins or tokens. Always check your rental contract or the 'Hausordnung'.

A 'Waschplan' is a schedule, usually a sheet of paper or a digital board, where tenants sign up for specific times to use the shared Waschküche. This prevents conflicts and ensures everyone has a chance to do their laundry.

Generally, it is discouraged in shared buildings unless you are using your own private drying rack and there is enough space. Leaving clothes in a shared machine overnight is considered very rude as it blocks other people from using it.

The name is historical. Before modern appliances, washing clothes involved boiling water on a stove, much like cooking. The room needed similar plumbing and heat sources to a kitchen, hence the name 'Waschküche'.

The 'Hausordnung' usually states that every user must clean the room after use. If it is consistently dirty, you should contact the 'Hausmeister' (caretaker) or the 'Hausverwaltung' (property management).

This depends on the available space and electrical connections. You must usually get permission from the landlord or the property management before installing your own large appliances in a communal space.

Generally, yes. Most are kept locked, and only residents have keys. However, it is always wise to not leave valuable items unattended for long periods.

No. In most German apartments, each machine in the Waschküche is plugged into a socket connected to the individual tenant's electricity meter. In some cases, there are coin-operated machines.

The plural is 'Waschküchen'. For example: 'In diesem Viertel haben viele Häuser alte Waschküchen'.

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