Schmutzschleuse
The German word for mudroom is Schmutzschleuse.
A mudroom is a room between outdoors and indoors (noun). In German, Schmutzschleuse is used to describe this space.
Meaning: room between outdoors and indoors (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Schmutz (dirt) and Schleuse (sluice or airlock).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine. The plural form is Schmutzschleusen. In the genitive or dative singular cases, the form is der Schmutzschleuse.
Did you know?
- The term Schmutzschleuse uses the word Schleuse, which is the same word used for a canal lock or an airlock in a spacecraft. It implies that the room acts as a pressurized or controlled transition zone to keep the house 'clean'.
- Because German allows the creation of new compound nouns, some homeowners jokingly refer to an oversized mudroom as a Schmutzgarage if it is large enough to store bicycles and garden tools.
- In architectural terms, Germans may use Windfang, which literally means 'wind-catcher', to describe a vestibule designed to stop cold drafts.
Examples in context
- Wirf deine schmutzigen Schuhe in die Schmutzschleuse und komm rein.Toss your dirty shoes in the mudroom and come inside.
- Wir brauchen eine Schmutzschleuse im neuen Haus.We need a mudroom in the new house.
- Lass die Wanderschuhe in der Schmutzschleuse.Leave the hiking boots in the mudroom.
- Die Schmutzschleuse ist ideal für nasse Regenjacken.The mudroom is ideal for wet rain jackets.
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are decorating their new home.
- JuliaWo bauen wir die Schmutzschleuse ein?Where are we installing the mudroom?
- LukasDirekt neben der Haustür, Julia.Right next to the front door, Julia.
- JuliaDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
- LukasDann ist der Flur immer sauber.Then the hallway will always be clean.
