die Dusche
shower
The process of cleaning one's body under a stream of water.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sport nehme ich immer eine kalte Dusche.
After exercising, I always take a cold shower.
die Dusche
shower
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Meanings
die Dusche
shower
The sanitary fixture in the bathroom, consisting of a showerhead and often a cubicle or curtain, used for showering.
EXAMPLE
In unserem neuen Bad ist die Dusche kaputt.
The shower in our new bathroom is broken.
eine kalte Dusche
cold shower
A sudden, unpleasant surprise or disappointment.
EXAMPLE
Die hohe Rechnung war für uns eine eiskalte Dusche.
The high bill was an ice-cold shower for us.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Dusche' (the shower) is directly derived from the verb 'duschen' (to shower). You can say 'ich dusche' (I am showering / I shower) or 'ich nehme eine Dusche' (I take a shower), both of which are very common.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe jetzt duschen.
I'm going to take a shower now.
Prepositions: in vs. unter
The preposition often reveals the meaning. 'In der Dusche' (in the shower) refers to the cubicle or fixture. 'Unter der Dusche' (under the shower) describes the act of showering under the stream of water.
EXAMPLE
In unserer Dusche ist nicht viel Platz.
There isn't much space in our shower.
Typical verbs
To express the action, you say 'eine Dusche nehmen' (to take a shower). When referring to the fixture, you use verbs like 'reparieren' (to repair), 'putzen' (to clean), or 'einbauen' (to install).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Lauf habe ich eine erfrischende Dusche genommen.
After the long run, I took a refreshing shower.
Fixed expression
The expression 'eine kalte Dusche' (a cold shower) describes a sudden disappointment. It is often intensified with adjectives like 'eiskalt' (ice-cold).
EXAMPLE
Die Absage für den Job war für sie eine wirklich kalte Dusche.
The rejection for the job was a real cold shower for her.
Compare with
Dusche vs Brause
soda / sherbet / showerhead
Dusche and Brause can both be associated with showering in the bathroom. Dusche usually refers to the entire bathroom fixture, whereas Brause more specifically means the showerhead; regionally, Brause can also refer to the shower itself. Use “Brause” when you mean the part that releases the water.
Dusche
Die Dusche im neuen Badezimmer hat eine Glastür und eine feste Brause.
The shower in the new bathroom has a glass door and a fixed showerhead.
Brause
Die Brause der Dusche ist kaputt und muss ausgetauscht werden.
The showerhead is broken and needs to be replaced.
In real life
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