Bettwäsche
/ˈbɛtˌvɛʃə/
The English phrase "bed linens" is translated into German as Bettwäsche.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Bett (bed) and Wäsche (laundry or wash).
How does it change in a sentence?
Bettwäsche is a feminine singular noun, even though it refers to a collection of items. Unlike the English "linens", the German term is used in the singular form to describe the set. The phrase for "the bed linens" is die Bettwäsche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛtˌvɛʃə/
Did you know?
- Unlike in the US or UK where flat sheets are common, most Bettwäsche sets in Germany consist of a duvet cover and a pillowcase, often omitting the top sheet entirely.
- If you ask for Wäsche in a German clothing store, you might leave with a pile of socks or shirts rather than bed sheets.
- While 'linens' in English can imply fabrics made specifically from the flax plant, Bettwäsche describes the function of the fabric, regardless of whether it is cotton, silk, or polyester.
Examples in context
- Ich bitte um frische Bettwäsche für mein Hotelzimmer.I request fresh bed linens for my hotel room.
- Die Bettwäsche ist sehr weich.The bed linens are very soft.
- Ich muss die neue Bettwäsche waschen.I have to wash the new bed linens.
- Wir brauchen dringend neue Bettwäsche.We urgently need new bed linens.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are doing household chores together.
- JulianLaura, hast du die Bettwäsche schon gewaschen?Laura, have you already washed the bed linens?
- LauraNein, ich mache das gleich.No, I will do that right away.
- JulianDanke, wir brauchen frische Bettwäsche für heute Abend.Thanks, we need fresh bed linens for tonight.
- LauraAlles klar, ich kümmere mich darum.All right, I'll take care of it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Bettwäsche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
