Spülmaschine
/ˈʃpyːlmaˌʃiːnə/feminine
The German word for dishwasher is Spülmaschine. Wiktionary also lists Geschirrspüler and Geschirrspülmaschine.
Meaning: machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spülmaschine | /ˈʃpyːlmaˌʃiːnə/ | feminine |
| Geschirrspüler | /ɡəˈʃɪrˌʃpyːlər/ | masculine |
| Geschirrspülmaschine | /ɡəˈʃɪʁʃpyːlmaˌʃiːnə/ | feminine |
All three forms refer to the machine used for washing dishes.
What does it mean word for word?
Spülmaschine is a compound of spülen (to rinse or wash) and Maschine (machine). Geschirrspüler is a compound of Geschirr (dishes) and spüler (washer or rinser).
Which one should you use?
Geschirrspüler is a masculine noun, while Spülmaschine and Geschirrspülmaschine are feminine nouns.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine Geschirrspüler uses the definite article der. The feminine Spülmaschine and Geschirrspülmaschine use the definite article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpyːlmaˌʃiːnə/
Did you know?
- The term Geschirr comes from the same root as the English word 'gear', originally referring to a set of equipment or tackle.
- While Spülmaschine refers to the machine, the word Spüler can also describe a person whose job is to wash dishes in a professional kitchen.
- In German, the verb spülen specifically refers to rinsing with water, which is why the dishwasher is a 'rinsing machine' rather than a 'washing machine'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe eine Spülmaschine.I have a dishwasher.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess a Spülmaschine.Tatoeba #6841876 by manese, translation #6781977 by CK
- Ich habe keine Spülmaschine.I don't have a dishwasher.Tatoeba #10125275 by wolfgangth, translation #6805765 by CK
- Der Geschirrspüler ist kaputt.The dishwasher is broken.This sentence is useful for describing the condition of a Geschirrspüler.Tatoeba #6111191 by BlundaInte, translation #13263652 by araneo
- Ich habe eine neue Geschirrspülmaschine gekauft.I have bought a new dishwasher.
- Der Spülautomat ist effizient und leise.The dishwasher is efficient and quiet.
- Die Spülmaschine ist leicht zu bedienen.The dishwasher is easy to use.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are in the kitchen after dinner.
- SarahKannst du bitte die Spülmaschine einschalten?Can you please turn on the dishwasher?
- LukasJa, ich mache das sofort, Sarah.Yes, I will do that right away, Sarah.
- SarahIst die Spülmaschine schon voll?Is the dishwasher already full?
- LukasJa, Lukas hat alles schon eingeräumt.Yes, Lukas has already loaded everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dishwasher” translations and entries Spülmaschine, Geschirrspüler, Geschirrspülmaschine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
