das Handtuch
towel
A piece of absorbent fabric, usually terry cloth, used for drying the body, hands, or objects.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Duschen trocknete er sich mit einem frischen Handtuch ab.
After showering, he dried himself with a fresh towel.
das Handtuch
towel
das Handtuch, die Handtücher
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Meanings
das Handtuch werfen
to throw in the towel
An idiom meaning to give up or end a fight or competition because one no longer sees any chance of success.
EXAMPLE
Nach wochenlangen erfolglosen Verhandlungen hat das Team schließlich das Handtuch geworfen.
After weeks of unsuccessful negotiations, the team finally threw in the towel.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Handtuch, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Handtücher |
| genitive | des Handtuches |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Handtuch | die Handtücher |
| accusative | das Handtuch | die Handtücher |
| dative | dem Handtuch | den Handtüchern |
| genitive | des Handtuches des Handtuchs | der Handtücher |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Handtuch' (towel) is a compound noun made from 'Hand' (hand) and 'Tuch' (cloth). Literally, it means 'cloth for the hand,' but it is used for drying the whole body.
EXAMPLE
Reichst du mir bitte ein sauberes Handtuch?
Could you please pass me a clean towel?
Typical verbs
In everyday use, 'Handtuch' (towel) is often combined with verbs such as 'sich abtrocknen' (to dry oneself), 'benutzen' (to use), 'nehmen' (to take), or 'aufhängen' (to hang up).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Schwimmen habe ich mich mit einem großen Handtuch abgetrocknet.
After swimming, I dried myself with a large towel.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'das Handtuch werfen' (to throw in the towel) means that someone gives up. It is used figuratively for situations in which someone ends a fight, project, or discussion because they no longer see any chance.
EXAMPLE
Der Boxer war so erschöpft, dass sein Trainer das Handtuch warf.
The boxer was so exhausted that his trainer threw in the towel.
Compare with
Handtuch vs Turban
turban
Handtuch and Turban can both be used with wet hair. Handtuch refers to the absorbent textile itself, while Turban here refers to the shape formed when a towel is wrapped around the head. You use a Handtuch for drying off; for the wrapped shape around the head, you say Turban.
Handtuch
Nach dem Duschen nahm sie ein Handtuch und trocknete ihre nassen Haare.
After her shower, she took a towel and dried her wet hair.
Turban
Nach dem Duschen wickelte sie sich einen Turban aus einem Handtuch um den Kopf.
After her shower, she wrapped a towel around her head to make a turban.
In real life
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