Handtuch
/ˈhan(t)ˌtuːχ/neuter
The German word for towel is Handtuch.
Handtuch refers to a cloth used for wiping. Depending on the specific purpose, German uses different terms: a larger bath towel is a Badetuch and a kitchen towel used for drying dishes is a Geschirrtuch.
Meaning: cloth used for wiping (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Handtuch is a compound of Hand (hand) and Tuch (cloth), literally meaning hand towel.
How does it change in a sentence?
Handtuch is a neuter noun, so it takes the definite article das. The plural form of Handtuch is Handtücher.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhan(t)ˌtuːχ/
Did you know?
- In a German sauna, you will see people using a Handtuch not just for drying, but as a crucial hygienic barrier to sit on, as sitting directly on wood is considered improper.
- The word Tuch in Handtuch is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'tissue', as both derive from roots relating to cloth and covering.
- German has a specific term Frottiertuch for the looped pile fabric we associate with modern towels, as Tuch can refer to any flat piece of woven fabric.
Examples in context
- Wo ist Ihr Handtuch?Where's your towel?This sentence shows how to ask for a Handtuch.Tatoeba #9075226 by Luiaard, translation #8979216 by CK
- Er warf das Handtuch.He threw in the towel.This sentence illustrates the idiom of throwing in the towel using Handtuch.Tatoeba #657169 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #657171 by CM
- Das Handtuch war naß.The towel was wet.This sentence describes a Handtuch as being wet.Tatoeba #13817235 by Waldelfe, translation #8549671 by Amastan
- Könnte ich bitte ein Handtuch haben?May I have a towel, please?
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte ein Badehandtuch bringen?Excuse me, could you please bring me a bath towel?
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a hotel after a swim.
- FelixHast du ein frisches Handtuch für mich?Do you have a fresh towel for me?
- LauraJa, hier ist ein weißes Handtuch.Yes, here is a white towel.
- FelixVielen Dank, Laura.Thank you very much, Laura.
- LauraGerne, Felix.You're welcome, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “towel” translations and entries Handtuch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Handtuch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
