Meaning
To perform chores around the home.
Cultural Background
In many German rental contracts, 'Hausarbeit' includes the duty to clean the hallway or shovel snow, known as 'Kehrwoche' or 'Winterdienst'. While changing, traditional views on 'Hausarbeit' still persist in some regions, leading to modern debates about 'Equal Care Day'. In German universities, a 'Hausarbeit' is a serious academic milestone, often 15-25 pages long, written during the break.
The 'Homework' Trap
90% of beginners say 'Hausarbeit' when they mean school homework. Always double-check!
Use 'erledigen' for extra points
In B1 exams, use 'Hausarbeit erledigen' instead of 'machen' to show a higher vocabulary level.
Meaning
To perform chores around the home.
The 'Homework' Trap
90% of beginners say 'Hausarbeit' when they mean school homework. Always double-check!
Use 'erledigen' for extra points
In B1 exams, use 'Hausarbeit erledigen' instead of 'machen' to show a higher vocabulary level.
The WG-Life
If you live in a German flatshare (WG), you will see a 'Putzplan' (cleaning schedule) on the fridge. This is where you'll use this phrase most.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb.
Am Sonntag ______ ich immer {die|f} Hausarbeit.
The standard collocation is 'Hausarbeit machen'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I am cleaning my room'?
Select the correct option:
Hausarbeit is feminine and refers to chores, not schoolwork.
Match the German to the English.
Match these:
Distinguishing between these three is vital for A1/A2.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum hast du keine Zeit? B: Ich muss noch ______ ______ ______.
In the context of being at home and busy, 'Hausarbeit' is the most likely reason.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Was gehört zur Hausarbeit?
Küche
- • kochen
- • spülen
Bad
- • putzen
- • wischen
Wäsche
- • waschen
- • bügeln
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAm Sonntag ______ ich immer {die|f} Hausarbeit.
The standard collocation is 'Hausarbeit machen'.
Select the correct option:
Hausarbeit is feminine and refers to chores, not schoolwork.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Distinguishing between these three is vital for A1/A2.
A: Warum hast du keine Zeit? B: Ich muss noch ______ ______ ______.
In the context of being at home and busy, 'Hausarbeit' is the most likely reason.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is singular. You say 'die Hausarbeit', even if you are doing many different chores.
Yes, it is a perfect synonym and very common.
'Putzen' is specifically cleaning/scrubbing. 'Hausarbeit' is the umbrella term for cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc.
No, at university it means a term paper. Context usually makes it clear.
It is always 'die' (feminine).
You say: 'Ich hasse es, {die|f} Hausarbeit zu machen.'
Related Phrases
den Abwasch machen
specialized formTo do the dishes
Staub saugen
specialized formTo vacuum
den Haushalt schmeißen
synonymTo run the house (informal)
