Saugglocke
[ˈzaʊ̯kˌɡlɔkə]feminine
In German, the word for plunger is Saugglocke. Wiktionary also lists Ausgussreiniger and Abflussstampfer.
Meaning: device for removing blockages by suction (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Saugglocke | [ˈzaʊ̯kˌɡlɔkə] (narrow) | feminine |
| Ausgussreiniger | masculine | |
| Abflussstampfer | masculine | |
| Gummisauger | masculine | |
| Pümpel | [ˈpʏmpl̩] (narrow) | masculine |
A plunger is a device used for removing blockages by suction.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Gummisauger literally means 'rubber sucker'.
Which one should you use?
Saugglocke is the standard technical term for the device. Pümpel is a common colloquial term used in everyday speech. Gummisauger refers to the device as a rubber suction device, and Ausgussreiniger and Abflussstampfer are also used to describe the tool.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Saugglocke is the standard term. Pümpel is a colloquial term used in everyday spoken German. Gummisauger is a descriptive way to refer to the tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
Saugglocke is a feminine noun. Ausgussreiniger, Abflussstampfer, Gummisauger and Pümpel are all masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- If you were to ask for a 'drain cleaner' using the word Ausgussreiniger, a shopkeeper might actually hand you a bottle of liquid chemical cleaner instead of a physical plunger.
- The technical term Saugglocke combines 'sucking' with the word for 'bell', referring to the bell-like shape of the device's rubber head.
- In a professional plumbing context, using the word Pümpel might sound slightly too informal or even childish to a technician.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie bitte eine Saugglocke? Das Waschbecken ist verstopft.Excuse me, do you have a plunger? The sink is clogged.
- Kannst du bitte den Pömpel holen? Die Toilette ist verstopft.Can you please get the plunger? The toilet is clogged.
- Ich brauche eine Saugglocke für das Waschbecken.I need a plunger for the sink.
- Die Saugglocke liegt unter der Spüle.The plunger is under the sink.
- Hast du eine Saugglocke dabei?Do you have a plunger with you?
Example conversation
In a bathroom where the toilet is clogged.
- SarahFelix, die Toilette ist verstopft!Felix, the toilet is clogged!
- FelixKeine Sorge, ich hole die Saugglocke.Don't worry, I'll get the plunger.
- SarahIst die Saugglocke im Schrank?Is the plunger in the cupboard?
- FelixJa, sie ist im Badezimmer.Yes, it is in the bathroom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plunger” translations and entries Saugglocke, Pümpel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Saugglocke, CC BY-SA 4.0.
