schmutzig
/ˈʃmʊt͡sɪç/
The German word for dirty is schmutzig. Wiktionary also lists dreckig.
Meaning: covered with or containing dirt (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| schmutzig | /ˈʃmʊt͡sɪç/ /ˈʃmʊt͡sɪk/ |
| dreckig | /ˈdʁɛkɪç/ /ˈdʁɛkɪk/ |
The words in this entry are used to describe something that is covered with or contains dirt.
Which one should you use?
schmutzig is the standard, neutral way to say dirty. In contrast, dreckig is more colloquial and implies a higher degree of dirtiness, similar to the English words 'filthy' or 'grimy'. Use dreckig when you want to express annoyance or describe something that is truly disgusting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the act of making something dirty, you can use the verbs beschmutzen, which is a formal term or the more colloquial verdrecken.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃmʊtsɪç/
Did you know?
- English speakers might find the verb beschmutzen sounds quite heavy, as it is often used in legal or formal contexts to mean 'to defame' or 'to slander'.
- The word dreckig is frequently used in the phrase dreckig reich, meaning 'filthy rich'.
- The adjective schmutzig shares a common ancestor with the English word 'smut', which refers to soot or black particles.
Examples in context
- Das Kind ist dreckig.The child is dirty.This sentence uses dreckig to describe a child.Tatoeba #12397867 by mayabe, translation #68340 by CK
- Mein BH ist schmutzig.My bra is dirty.This sentence uses schmutzig to describe a bra.Tatoeba #4965689 by ieflicca, translation #4965687 by ieflicca
- Tom sah schmutzig aus.Tom looked dirty.This sentence uses schmutzig to describe how Tom looked.Tatoeba #6619013 by Felixjp, translation #2549237 by CK
- Das Hotelzimmer war stark verschmutztThe hotel room was very dirty
- Die Arbeitskleidung war schmutzigThe work clothes were dirty
- Die Schuhe sind dreckigThe shoes are dirty
- Der Hinterhof ist schmuddeligThe backyard is dirty
- Die Toilette ist siffigThe toilet is dirty
- 224 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are in the kitchen after cooking.
- LukasLaura, die Küche ist total schmutzig.Laura, the kitchen is totally dirty.
- LauraJa, Lukas, wir müssen aufräumen.Yes, Lukas, we need to clean up.
- LukasIch putze den Herd.I will clean the stove.
- LauraUnd ich wasche das schmutzige Geschirr.And I will wash the dirty dishes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dirty” translations and entries schmutzig, dreckig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dreckig, schmutzig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
