Toilette
/to̯aˈlɛtə/feminine
The English phrase restroom is translated into German as Toilette.
Toilette refers to a public room containing a toilet. In some contexts, such as in schools or larger public facilities, the term Waschräume (washrooms) might be used to refer to the area containing the toilets.
Meaning: public room containing a toilet (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Toilette is the standard term, Klo is a very informal term for restroom used in everyday conversations. das Klo is a common, informal way to refer to the toilet or restroom, similar to saying 'the loo' or 'the john' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Toilette uses the feminine article die. The plural form is die Toiletten. Additionally, the term WC uses the neuter article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/to̯aˈlɛtə/
Did you know?
- Many public Toiletten in Germany and Austria require a small coin fee, usually 50 cents or 1 euro, to open the turnstile.
- While Toilette is standard, using the phrase stilles Örtchen (quiet little place) is a poetic and polite euphemism for the restroom.
- In Germany, the Toilette is often split into two separate rooms: one for the toilet and one for the washbasin.
Examples in context
- Wo ist die nächste Toilette?Where's the nearest restroom?This sentence is useful for asking where the nearest Toilette is located.Tatoeba #1520308 by Espi, translation #62140 by CK
- Darf ich zur Toilette gehen?May I go to the restroom?This sentence is useful for asking permission to go to the Toilette.Tatoeba #5158208 by faehrmann, translation #517399 by CK
- „Wo ist die Toilette?“ – „Links.“"Where is the restroom?" "To the left."This sentence is useful for a short exchange where someone asks for the location of the Toilette and receives a direction.Tatoeba #11652980 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8160451 by magnificentgoddess
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo befindet sich die Toilette bitte?Excuse me, where is the restroom, please?
- Könnten Sie mir sagen, wo sich das Badezimmer befindet?Could you please tell me where the bathroom is located?
- Entschuldigung, wo ist das WC?Excuse me, where is the WC?
- Weißt du, wo das Klo ist?Do you know where the restroom is?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a cafe.
- MaximilianEntschuldigung, wissen Sie, wo die Toilette ist?Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?
- JuliaJa, die Toilette ist dort hinten rechts.Yes, the restroom is back there on the right.
- MaximilianVielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.Thank you very much for your help.
- JuliaGerne geschehen.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “restroom” translations and entries Toilette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
