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
der Reiniger
cleaner
A device or machine that is used for cleaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Hochdruckreiniger entfernt mühelos Moos und Schmutz von der Terrasse.
The pressure cleaner effortlessly removes moss and dirt from the patio.
der Reiniger
cleaner
A person who does cleaning work professionally. This term is rarer and more formal than 'Reinigungskraft' (cleaning staff / cleaner).
EXAMPLE
Der chemische Reiniger hat den Fleck vollständig aus meinem Anzug entfernt.
The dry cleaner completely removed the stain from my suit.
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 Putzfrau
cleaning lady
Both words can refer to a person who cleans rooms professionally. „Die Putzfrau“ is common in everyday language and explicitly refers to a woman. „Der Reiniger“ is less common and more formal as a term for a person; it can nevertheless be appropriate in an official or factual context.
Reiniger
Der Reiniger führte die Arbeiten nach dem festgelegten Reinigungsplan durch.
The cleaner carried out the work according to the established cleaning schedule.
Putzfrau
Die Putzfrau reinigte jeden Morgen die Büros im Erdgeschoss.
The cleaning lady cleaned the offices on the ground floor every morning.
In real life
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