dishwasher
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dishwasher
A household appliance that automatically cleans dishes, cutlery, and glasses. Colloquially also called 'Spülmaschine' in German.
Nach dem Abendessen räumten wir das schmutzige Geschirr einfach in den Geschirrspüler.
After dinner, we simply put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
The word consists of 'Geschirr' (dishes, tableware) and 'Spüler' (washer). A 'Spüler' is a person or machine that rinses or washes. So it is literally a 'dish-washer'.
Der neue Geschirrspüler ist viel leiser als der alte.
The new dishwasher is much quieter than the old one.
Although the appliance is a machine ('die Maschine'), the article is 'der Geschirrspüler'. This is because the article comes from the word 'der Spüler' (the washing person/thing).
Hilfst du mir, den Geschirrspüler auszuräumen?
Will you help me unload the dishwasher?
In connection with the household appliance, certain verbs are very typical: you can 'einräumen' (load), 'ausräumen' (unload), 'anschalten' (turn on), or 'laufen lassen' (let run) the dishwasher.
Bitte räum dein schmutziges Glas in den Geschirrspüler ein.
Please put your dirty glass in the dishwasher.
The meaning 'person' is rare today and is usually only found in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In everyday life, 'Geschirrspüler' almost always means the household appliance.
Das Restaurant sucht einen Koch und einen Geschirrspüler.
The restaurant is looking for a cook and a dishwasher.
dishwasher
'Spülmaschine' and 'Geschirrspüler' usually mean the same appliance in the kitchen, which cleans dishes automatically. 'Spülmaschine' sounds very natural in everyday language and is especially common in spoken German. 'Geschirrspüler' sounds a little more precise or technical, for example when buying one or in a description. They can be confusing because both work for the appliance. But the important point is: 'Geschirrspüler' can, less commonly, also mean a person whose job is washing dishes. 'Spülmaschine' only means the appliance.
Für die neue Küche suchen wir einen leisen Geschirrspüler.
For the new kitchen, we are looking for a quiet dishwasher.
Nach dem Abendessen räumt Jan die Teller in die Spülmaschine.
After dinner, Jan puts the plates into the dishwasher.