Taschentuch
/ˈtaʃənˌtuːx/neuter
The German word for tissue (a sheet of absorbent paper) is Taschentuch. Wiktionary also lists Papier and Tuch.
Meaning: sheet of absorbent paper (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taschentuch | /ˈtaʃənˌtuːx/ | neuter |
| Papier | /paˈpiːɐ̯/ | neuter |
| Tuch | /tuːx/ | neuter |
| Toilettenpapier | /to̯aˈlɛtn̩paˌpiːɐ̯/ | neuter |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Taschentuch is a compound of Tasche (pocket) and Tuch (cloth/tissue).
Which one should you use?
Taschentuch refers specifically to a small tissue for the nose or face, whereas Toilettenpapier refers to toilet paper.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaʃənˌtuːx/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word Gewebe when you mean a paper tissue. In German, Gewebe refers to biological tissue (like muscle or skin).
Did you know?
- To specify a disposable paper tissue, Germans often use the brand name Tempo as a generic noun.
- The German word Tuch is a distant relative of the English word 'duck' when it refers to a type of heavy cloth or canvas.
- In Germany, Taschentuch traditionally refers to a reusable cloth handkerchief rather than a disposable paper tissue.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche jetzt ein Tuch.I need a tissue now.This sentence is useful for requesting a cloth using Tuch.Tatoeba #6563243 by Zaghawa, translation #5754706 by CM
- Ich brauche ein Taschentuch.I need a tissue.This sentence is useful for requesting a tissue using Taschentuch.Tatoeba #4709129 by bonny37, translation #4707889 by AlanF_US
- Ich brauche kein Taschentuch.I don't need a tissue.This sentence is useful for stating you do not need a tissue using Taschentuch.Tatoeba #10117660 by wolfgangth, translation #3723546 by CM
- Pardon, können Sie mir bitte ein Taschentuch geben?Excuse me, could you please give me a tissue?
- Hast du ein Kleenex?Do you have a Kleenex?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man is sneezing in a cafe.
- JuliaGesundheit!Bless you!
- MaximilianDanke. Hast du ein Taschentuch für mich?Thanks. Do you have a tissue for me?
- JuliaJa, hier bitte.Yes, here you go.
- MaximilianVielen Dank, Julia.Thank you very much, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tissue” translations and entries Taschentuch, Papier, Tuch, Toilettenpapier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Papier, Taschentuch, Toilettenpapier, Tuch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
