Reinigung
/ˈʁaɪ̯niɡʊŋ/
The German word for cleaning is Reinigung.
Reinigung refers to the action of cleaning something. When used with a definite article, die Reinigung can also refer to a physical dry cleaner's or a cleaning service.
Meaning: action in which something is cleaned (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb reinigen (to clean) and the suffix -ung, which turns a verb into a noun representing a process or action.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, Reinigung is feminine and always takes the article die in the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaɪ̯niɡʊŋ/
Did you know?
- In a political context, die Reinigung can also mean a 'purge', referring to the systematic removal of people from a group or organization.
- The term Reinigung is used in the phrase Geldreinigung, which translates literally to 'money cleaning' but actually refers to the crime of money laundering.
- In Germany, the Frühjahrsputz is a traditional, intensive 'spring cleaning' that often involves cleaning every single corner of the house, including the ceilings and behind heavy furniture.
Examples in context
- Bitte bringe meine Kleidung aus der Reinigung mit.Please pick up my dry cleaning.This sentence is useful for asking someone to pick up dry cleaning using Reinigung.Tatoeba #829015 by Esperantostern, translation #62864 by CK
- Jeder von uns war mit der Reinigung des Raumes beschäftigt.All of us were busy cleaning the room.This sentence is useful for describing the act of cleaning a room with Reinigung.Tatoeba #2349602 by Espi, translation #263266 by CK
- Wir verbrachten den Nachmittag mit der Reinigung unserer Ausrüstung.We spent the afternoon cleaning our gear.This sentence is useful for describing cleaning gear with Reinigung.Tatoeba #2404349 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2253684 by _undertoad
- Ich suche eine Reinigungsfirma für mein Büro.I'm looking for a cleaning company for my office.
- Kannst du mir Tipps zur Teppichreinigung geben?Can you give me tips on carpet cleaning?
- Wir legen großen Wert auf Sauberkeit und Hygiene.We highly value cleanliness and hygiene.
- Ich muss heute das Badezimmer putzen.I have to clean the bathroom today.
- Kannst du bitte den Tisch säubern?Can you please clean the table?
- Er hat die Fenster gründlich gesäubert.He cleaned the windows thoroughly.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are discussing house chores.
- SarahWer übernimmt heute die Reinigung der Küche?Who is taking over the cleaning of the kitchen today?
- JulianIch kann das machen, Sarah.I can do that, Sarah.
- SarahDanke, Julian, die Reinigung dauert nicht lange.Thanks, Julian, the cleaning doesn't take long.
- JulianKein Problem, ich fange sofort an.No problem, I'll start right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Reinigung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
