01
reinigen
to clean
To remove dirt, stains, or impurities from something and make it clean.
example
Nach dem Kochen muss ich immer die Küche reinigen.
After cooking, I always have to clean the kitchen.
reinigen
to clean
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'reinigen' (to clean) is derived from the adjective 'rein' (clean, pure). It literally means 'to make clean/pure'.
EXAMPLE
Man sollte die Bürste nach jeder Benutzung gründlich reinigen.
You should clean the brush thoroughly after each use.
Word family
The related noun is 'die Reinigung' (cleaning). It can refer both to the process of cleaning and to the shop where you have clothes dry-cleaned.
EXAMPLE
Die Reinigung des Teppichs war sehr aufwendig.
Cleaning the carpet was very labor-intensive.
Register and style
'Reinigen' (to clean) is often used in a more formal, professional, or technical context. It sounds more thorough than, for example, 'sauber machen' (to clean up/make clean).
EXAMPLE
Die Wunde muss professionell gereinigt werden.
The wound must be cleaned professionally.
Context clue
The meaning 'chemisch reinigen' (to dry-clean) can often be recognized from context: delicate clothing such as suits, coats, silk blouses, or the construction 'etwas reinigen lassen' (to have something cleaned/dry-cleaned).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe meinen Wintermantel reinigen lassen.
I had my winter coat dry-cleaned.
Technical context
In the meaning 'purifizieren' (to purify), 'reinigen' (to clean/purify) is mostly used for substances such as water, air, or gases. This use is typical of scientific or environmental-technology topics.
EXAMPLE
Die Anlage reinigt das Trinkwasser von Schadstoffen.
The system purifies the drinking water of pollutants.
Compare with
reinigen vs machen
to do / make
'machen' and 'reinigen' can both have to do with cleaning. 'machen' is more general and sounds normal in everyday speech, especially in combinations like 'sauber machen' (to clean) or 'das Zimmer machen' (to do / clean the room). 'reinigen' is more precise and somewhat more matter-of-fact. It means removing dirt, stains, or other impurities. With devices, surfaces, clothing, or official instructions, 'reinigen' often sounds more natural. In conversation at home, people more often say 'sauber machen'.
reinigen
Die Mitarbeiterin reinigt den Bildschirm mit einem weichen Tuch.
The employee cleans the screen with a soft cloth.
machen
Kannst du bitte den Tisch sauber machen, bevor wir essen?
Could you please clean the table before we eat?
In real life
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