Ich muss mal aufs Klo
To say "I have to use the bathroom" in German, you use Ich muss mal aufs Klo.
This phrase is used to inform someone that you need to go to the toilet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I must once onto the toilet". The word aufs is a contraction of the preposition auf (on/onto) and the article das (the).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ich muss mal aufs Klo is an informal expression that uses the colloquial term Klo for toilet. For a more formal way to express this need, you can say Ich muss die Toilette benutzen.
Did you know?
- In Germany, it is culturally common for people to pay a small fee of 20 or 50 cents to enter a public WC in train stations or cafes.
- The preposition auf is used here because, historically, many toilets were essentially a hole positioned 'on top of' or 'over' a chamber.
- In some regions of Germany, people use the term Stübchen or other euphemisms to avoid saying the word for toilet entirely in polite company.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, aber ich muss die Toilette benutzen.Excuse me, but I need to use the toilet.
- Entschuldige, ich muss auf die Toilette.Sorry, I have to go to the toilet.
- Ich muss auf die Toilette.I have to go to the toilet.
- Entschuldigung, ich muss mal aufs Klo.Excuse me, I have to use the bathroom.
- Kannst du warten? Ich muss mal aufs Klo.Can you wait? I have to use the bathroom.
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are at a movie theater.
- JuliaLukas, ich muss mal aufs Klo.Lukas, I have to use the bathroom.
- LukasSoll ich dir den Platz freihalten?Should I hold your seat?
- JuliaJa, bitte, das wäre nett.Yes, please, that would be nice.
- LukasKein Problem, komm schnell zurück.No problem, come back quickly.
