01
der Abwasch
dishwashing
The activity of washing used dishes, cutlery, and cooking utensils.
example
Wer ist heute mit dem Abwasch dran?
Whose turn is it to do the dishes today?
der Abwasch
dishwashing / dirty dishes
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
'Der Abwasch' is the nominalization of the separable verb 'abwaschen' (to wash up / to wash the dishes). So it describes either the result or the action of this verb.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Kochen müssen wir noch abwaschen.
After cooking, we still have to wash the dishes.
Fixed expression
The most common and important combination in everyday life is 'den Abwasch machen' (to do the dishes). This expression means to wash the dishes.
EXAMPLE
Ich koche heute das Abendessen, machst du dann den Abwasch?
I'm cooking dinner today; will you do the dishes afterward?
Used in the singular
The word 'Abwasch' is used almost exclusively in the singular. This also applies when talking about a large amount of dirty dishes.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Party hatten wir unglaublich viel Abwasch.
After the party, we had an incredible amount of dirty dishes.
Context clue
When 'der Abwasch' refers to the activity, it is often combined with verbs like 'machen' (to do), 'erledigen' (to take care of), or 'übernehmen' (to take over). When it refers to the dirty dishes, verbs like 'stehen' (to be standing/sitting), 'sich stapeln' (to pile up), or 'haben' (to have) are typical.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Abwasch erledigen?
Can you please take care of the dishes?
Compare with
Abwasch vs Geschirr
dishes / harness
'das Geschirr' and 'der Abwasch' both belong to the area of kitchens and eating. 'Geschirr' refers to the objects themselves, for example plates, cups, and bowls. 'Abwasch' means either the task of washing dishes or the dirty dishes that still need to be washed. That is why the words can be confused: after a meal, dishes are on the table, and when they are dirty, they become the 'Abwasch'. For clean or general eating items, you say 'Geschirr'; for the washing-up task or the dirty pile, you say 'Abwasch'.
Abwasch
Nach dem Abendessen bleibt der Abwasch heute in der Küche stehen.
After dinner, the dirty dishes will stay in the kitchen today.
Geschirr
Das Geschirr steht schon auf dem Tisch, aber das Essen ist noch nicht fertig.
The dishes are already on the table, but the food is not ready yet.
In real life
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