towel
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towel
A piece of absorbent fabric, usually terry cloth, used for drying the body, hands, or objects.
Nach dem Duschen trocknete er sich mit einem frischen Handtuch ab.
After showering, he dried himself with a fresh towel.
'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.
Reichst du mir bitte ein sauberes Handtuch?
Could you please pass me a clean towel?
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).
Nach dem Schwimmen habe ich mich mit einem großen Handtuch abgetrocknet.
After swimming, I dried myself with a large towel.
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.
Der Boxer war so erschöpft, dass sein Trainer das Handtuch warf.
The boxer was so exhausted that his trainer threw in the towel.
cloth / scarf
'das Tuch' and 'das Handtuch' are both pieces of fabric that you use in everyday life. 'Tuch' is more general: it can be used for cleaning, covering, or drying. 'Handtuch' is more specific and means an absorbent towel used to dry your hands, face, or body. The words can be confused because a 'Handtuch' is also a type of 'Tuch'. But not every 'Tuch' is a 'Handtuch'. When it is about the bathroom, shower, or hands, 'Handtuch' is more natural. For other purposes, people usually just say 'Tuch' or, more specifically, 'Putztuch' (cleaning cloth).
Nach dem Schwimmen hängt Lisa ihr nasses Handtuch über den Stuhl.
After swimming, Lisa hangs her wet towel over the chair.
Nach dem Essen wischt Mehmet den Tisch mit einem feuchten Tuch ab.
After eating, Mehmet wipes the table with a damp cloth.