Vakuum
/ˈvaːkuʊm/
The English phrase 'vacuum' can be translated into German as Vakuum.
In German, Vakuum is a noun used to describe a region of space that contains no matter or the physical phenomenon of emptiness. It is not used as a verb to describe the household chore of cleaning a floor.
Meaning: transitive: to clean with a vacuum cleaner (verb)
Which one should you use?
Vakuum refers to the physical phenomenon of a vacuum, whereas the verb staubsaugen is used when you want to say you are vacuuming the floor.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvaːkuʊm/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the noun Vakuum when they mean the verb 'to vacuum' (the action of cleaning). Instead, use the verb staubsaugen to describe the chore.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says Ich sauge, without the staub prefix, they are simply saying 'I suck', which can sound odd or suggestive.
- German uses the phrase ein Vakuum hinterlassen to describe the feeling when a powerful leader or influential person leaves a position.
- The verb staubsaugen is a separable verb, meaning in a sentence like 'I am vacuuming', the 'saugen' part moves to the very end of the phrase.
Examples in context
- Ein Vakuum ist der Natur zuwider.Nature abhors a vacuum.This sentence uses Vakuum to illustrate a proverb about nature.Tatoeba #655064 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #264463 by JeanM
- Nichts kann sich im Vakuum schneller fortbewegen als das Licht.Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum.This sentence uses Vakuum in the context of the speed of light in space.Tatoeba #2735274 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2735268 by catcher
- Und wenn das Vakuum explodiert, nennt man das ein Schwarzes Loch.And if the vacuum explodes, it is called a black hole.This sentence uses Vakuum to describe a phenomenon related to black holes.Tatoeba #817085 by BraveSentry, translation #817089 by BraveSentry
- Könntest du bitte den Staubsauger benutzen?Could you please use the vacuum?
- Kannst du bitte den Sauger benutzen?Can you please use the vacuum cleaner?
- Unser Saugroboter reinigt den Boden selbstständig.Our robot vacuum cleans the floor autonomously.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are cleaning their living room together.
- JulianSoll ich heute das Wohnzimmer vakuumieren?Should I vacuum the living room today?
- JuliaJa, bitte mach das schnell.Yes, please do that quickly.
- JulianIch werde erst alles vakuumieren und dann wischen.I will vacuum everything first and then mop.
- JuliaDas ist ein guter Plan, Julian.That is a good plan, Julian.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Vakuum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
