die Sauberkeit
cleanliness
The state of being free from dirt, dust, stains, or mess.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Hotel wird großer Wert auf Sauberkeit gelegt.
In this hotel, great importance is placed on cleanliness.
die Sauberkeit
cleanliness / integrity
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Meanings
die Sauberkeit
integrity
In a figurative sense, the moral or personal irreproachability and integrity of a person or procedure.
EXAMPLE
Die Partei betonte die Sauberkeit ihrer Finanzgeschäfte.
The party emphasized the integrity of its financial dealings.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Sauberkeit' (cleanliness) is derived from the adjective 'sauber' (clean). The ending '-keit' is a typical German ending used to form abstract nouns from adjectives that describe a state or quality.
EXAMPLE
Die Sauberkeit des Zimmers war beeindruckend.
The cleanliness of the room was impressive.
Use as an abstract noun
As an abstract noun, 'Sauberkeit' (cleanliness) is uncountable and has no plural. In general statements, it is often used without an article.
EXAMPLE
Sauberkeit ist für viele Menschen sehr wichtig.
Cleanliness is very important to many people.
Typical collocations
Common phrases related to hygiene are 'auf Sauberkeit achten' (to pay attention to cleanliness), 'Wert auf Sauberkeit legen' (to place importance on cleanliness), or 'für Sauberkeit sorgen' (to ensure cleanliness).
EXAMPLE
Bitte achte im Bad auf besondere Sauberkeit.
Please pay special attention to cleanliness in the bathroom.
Figurative meaning
The figurative meaning of 'Sauberkeit' (integrity) refers to moral or financial integrity. It is often used in the context of politics, business, or law to express transparency and honesty.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker versprach absolute Sauberkeit bei der Aufklärung des Skandals.
The politician promised absolute integrity in the investigation of the scandal.
Compare with
Sauberkeit vs Hygiene
hygiene
Hygiene and cleanliness are both related to a clean environment. Hygiene emphasizes measures that protect health and prevent disease, while Sauberkeit describes the resulting state of being free from dirt. Use Hygiene for rules and behavior, and Sauberkeit for the result.
Sauberkeit
Nach dem Putzen überzeugte die Sauberkeit des Zimmers sofort alle Besucher.
After the cleaning, the room’s cleanliness immediately impressed all the visitors.
Hygiene
Im Krankenhaus sind strenge Regeln für die Hygiene wichtig, damit sich Krankheiten nicht ausbreiten.
Strict hygiene rules are important in hospitals so that diseases do not spread.
In real life
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