How to Say “Wc” in German

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WC
/ve(ː)ˈtseː/
In German, WC is an abbreviation for water closet.
The abbreviation WC is commonly used on signs in public places like restaurants, train stations and airports to indicate the location of the restrooms.
Meaning: abbreviation for water closet (noun)

Which one should you use?

While WC is common on signage, the word Toilette is the more standard and slightly more formal way to refer to the restroom in conversation. In casual speech, Germans often use the word Klo instead of WC or Toilette.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The most common way to say 'WC' in formal German is Toilette. The term öffentliche Toilette can be used to specify a public toilet in formal situations. The term Sanitäranlagen is a formal way to refer to bathroom facilities including toilets, sinks or showers. Klo is a widely-used and accepted colloquial term for 'WC' in informal situations and Das stille Örtchen is an informal and humorous way to refer to the toilet.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Bavaria and some southern regions, das Häuschen is a colloquial term for the toilet.

How do you pronounce it?

/ve(ː)ˈtseː/

Did you know?

  • If you are traveling through a German airport, you might encounter 'Sanifair' terminals. These are premium, branded facilities where you pay a fee for much higher standards of cleanliness than a standard 'WC'.
  • If you want to be humorous or polite in a social setting, you can use the euphemism das stille Örtchen, which literally translates to 'the little quiet place'.
  • The abbreviation WC was borrowed directly from English.

Examples in context

  • Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette, bitte?
    Excuse me, where is the toilet, please?
  • Entschuldigung, wo ist die nächste öffentliche Toilette?
    Excuse me, where is the nearest public toilet?
  • Wo finde ich die Sanitäranlagen?
    Where can I find the bathroom facilities?
  • Wo ist das Klo?
    Where is the toilet?
  • Ich bin gleich zurück, ich gehe mal schnell auf das stille Örtchen.
    I'll be right back, I'm just going to the quiet little place.
  • Wo findet man hier WC-Anlagen?
    Where can one find toilet facilities here?
  • Wo ist das WC?
    Where is the WC?
  • Das WC befindet sich im Erdgeschoss.
    The WC is on the ground floor.
  • Ist das WC hier frei?
    Is the WC here vacant?

Example conversation

Sarah and Maximilian are at a cafe.

  1. Sarah

    Maximilian, wo ist das WC?
    Maximilian, where is the WC?
  2. Maximilian

    Das WC ist dort hinten am Gang.
    The WC is back there in the hallway.
  3. Sarah

    Vielen Dank!
    Thank you very much!
  4. Maximilian

    Gerne.
    You're welcome.

Sources

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Kai Eric
Kai EricHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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