Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Toilette | /to̯aˈlɛtə/ /tɔʏ̯ˈlɛtɛ/ |
feminine |
| Klo | /kloː/ | neuter |
The term refers to the fixture used for urination and defecation. To express that you need to use the restroom, you can use the phrases auf die Toilette gehen or aufs Klo gehen.
Which one should you use?
While Toilette is the standard term, Klo is a much more informal and colloquial version. In formal settings, you might see the term Das WC used instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some rural areas, particularly in southern Germany, people may refer to the toilet as Das Häuschen, which means 'little house'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb 'gehen' (to go) or 'müssen' (to must/have to) with the informal term Klo, the phrase aufs Klo is a common contraction of 'auf das Klo'.
How do you pronounce it?
/to̯aˈlɛtə/
When do people say it?
In public facilities, you will see signs to distinguish restrooms: Damen indicates the women's toilet and Herren indicates the men's toilet. In very informal speech, one might use the expression Pinkeln gehen, which translates to 'going for a pee'.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Toilette can also refer to a formal evening gown or a process of dressing and grooming.
- A traditional outdoor pit latrine is known in German as a Plumpsklo, which evokes the sound of falling.
- While you might learn Toilette in a textbook, using the phrase ich muss mal is the most common way to signal you need to go, without actually naming the destination.
Examples in context
- Wo ist das Klo?Where is the toilet?This sentence is useful for asking the location of the Klo.Tatoeba #976178 by Esperantostern, translation #38937 by CK
- Ich muß aufs Klo.I have to use the toilet.This sentence shows how to express the need to use the Klo.Tatoeba #13535432 by Waldelfe, translation #10899916 by CM
- Das Klo ist unten.The toilet is downstairs.This sentence uses Klo to describe the location of the toilet.Tatoeba #8993753 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8989029 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist die Toilette?Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wo die Toilette ist?Could you please tell me where the toilet is?
- 207 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a restaurant, Laura is looking for the restroom.
- LauraEntschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette?Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- MaximilianDie Toilette ist dort hinten links.The toilet is back there on the left.
- LauraVielen Dank, Maximilian.Thank you very much, Maximilian.
- MaximilianGerne geschehen, Laura.You're welcome, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toilet” translations and entries Toilette, Klo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
