01
duschen
to shower
To stand under a shower and rinse oneself with water for body cleaning.
example
Nach dem Sport gehe ich immer erst einmal duschen.
After sports, I always go shower first.
duschen
to shower
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'duschen' (to shower) is derived directly from the noun 'die Dusche' (the shower). Both words belong to the basic vocabulary around the topic of bathrooms and personal hygiene.
EXAMPLE
Die Dusche ist kaputt, deshalb kann ich heute nicht duschen.
The shower is broken, so I can't shower today.
Reflexive or not?
In everyday language, you can say both 'ich dusche' (I shower) and 'ich dusche mich' (I shower myself). Both forms are correct and mean the same thing, but the version without 'mich' is somewhat more common.
EXAMPLE
Ich stehe jeden Morgen um sechs auf und dusche.
I get up at six every morning and shower.
Figurative meaning
Colloquially, 'duschen' (to shower) can also mean to splash someone with a liquid, often unintentionally. This use is figurative and usually involves a surprise.
EXAMPLE
Als ich den Sekt öffnete, habe ich aus Versehen alle Gäste geduscht.
When I opened the sparkling wine, I accidentally showered all the guests.
Compare with
duschen vs baden
to bathe / swim
'baden' and 'duschen' both have to do with washing your body with water. 'baden' is used when you are lying or sitting in water in a bathtub. 'duschen' means that water comes onto the body from above or from a showerhead. Learners may confuse the words because both happen in the bathroom. In everyday life, 'duschen' is often the normal quick wash, while 'baden' sounds longer and more relaxing.
duschen
Vor dem Termin duscht sie schnell und zieht frische Kleidung an.
Before the appointment, she takes a quick shower and puts on fresh clothes.
baden
Nach dem langen Spaziergang badet er eine halbe Stunde in der warmen Wanne.
After the long walk, he takes a bath for half an hour in the warm tub.
In real life
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