Trockner
[ˈtʁɔk.nɐ]masculine
The English word "dryer" translates to German as Trockner. Wiktionary also lists Wäschetrockner.
Meaning: household appliance for drying clothing (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trockner | [ˈtʁɔk.nɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Wäschetrockner | /ˈvɛʃəˌtʁɔknɐ/ | masculine |
Both Trockner and Wäschetrockner refer to a household appliance used for drying clothing.
Which one should you use?
Trockner is a general term for any dryer, whereas Wäschetrockner specifically specifies a laundry dryer by adding Wäsche (laundry).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Trockner is a masculine noun, it changes to den Trockner when it is the direct object of a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word Wäsche in Wäschetrockner comes from waschen, meaning 'to wash'. Interestingly, the same word Wäsche can refer to the act of washing, the laundry itself or even undergarments in a colloquial context.
- In many German households, instead of using a Wäschetrockner, people use a Wäscheständer, which is a folding drying rack.
- While English speakers often say 'the dryer' for everything, a German speaker might use Tumbler if they are using an English loanword, which specifically refers to the rotating motion of the machine.
Examples in context
- Wir haben keinen Trockner.We don't have a tumble dryer.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not own a Trockner.Tatoeba #718780 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #718777 by sundown
- Wir haben keinen Wäschetrockner.We haven't got a tumble dryer.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not own a Wäschetrockner.Tatoeba #718778 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9456546 by sundown
- Tom holt die Wäsche aus dem Wäschetrockner.Tom is taking the washing out of the tumble dryer.This sentence is useful for describing someone taking washing out of a Wäschetrockner.Tatoeba #10010056 by Melang, translation #10025913 by sundown
- Ich habe gestern einen neuen Wäschetrockner gekauft.I bought a new dryer yesterday.
- Bitte stellen Sie die Wäschetrocknungsmaschine gemäß den Anweisungen ein.Please adjust the dryer according to the instructions.
- Kannst du bitte die Wäsche in den Trockner legen?Can you please put the laundry in the dryer?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are in their laundry room.
- MaximilianIst der Trockner schon fertig?Is the dryer finished yet?
- JuliaNein, der Trockner läuft noch.No, the dryer is still running.
- MaximilianSoll ich ihn ausschalten?Should I turn it off?
- JuliaJa, bitte, Maximilian.Yes, please, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dryer” translations and entries Trockner, Wäschetrockner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
