01
der Reiniger
cleaner
A substance or chemical agent that is used to clean surfaces or objects.
example
Für die Kalkflecken im Bad brauchst du einen speziellen Reiniger.
For the limescale stains in the bathroom, you need a special cleaner.
der Reiniger
cleaner
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Reiniger' (cleaner) is derived from the verb 'reinigen' (to clean). The ending '-er' here refers to a person or thing that performs the action of the verb, so something or someone that cleans.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Reiniger ist sehr effektiv gegen Fett.
This cleaner is very effective against grease.
Typical compounds
'Reiniger' (cleaner) is often the second part of a compound noun that describes the purpose more precisely. This makes it easy to tell whether a substance or a device is meant.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Glasreiniger aus der Küche holen?
Could you please get the glass cleaner from the kitchen?
Context clue: person
When a person is meant, 'Reiniger' (cleaner) is mostly used in official job titles such as 'Gebäudereiniger' (building cleaner) or 'Textilreiniger' (textile cleaner / dry cleaner). In everyday language, the term 'Reinigungskraft' (cleaning staff / cleaner) is more common.
EXAMPLE
Er macht eine Ausbildung zum Gebäudereiniger.
He is training to become a building cleaner.
Compare with
Reiniger vs Waschmittel
laundry detergent
'Waschmittel' and 'Reiniger' are both products for cleaning. The important difference lies in the target: 'Waschmittel' is used for clothing and other textiles, in the washing machine or for hand washing. 'Reiniger' is used for surfaces or objects, for example in the bathroom, kitchen, on windows, or on floors. The words can be confused because both can be chemical products for cleaning. When it is about laundry, 'Waschmittel' is correct; for tiles, glass, or furniture, 'Reiniger' is more appropriate.
Reiniger
Für den Herd brauchen wir einen Reiniger, der Fett gut entfernt.
For the stove, we need a cleaner that removes grease well.
Waschmittel
Wegen der Flecken nimmt er heute ein stärkeres Waschmittel für die Hemden.
Because of the stains, he is using a stronger laundry detergent for the shirts today.
In real life
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