der Schmutz
dirt
A substance that makes something unclean, such as grime, dust, or soil.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Spaziergang im Regen war überall Schmutz an seinen Schuhen.
After the walk in the rain, there was dirt all over his shoes.
der Schmutz
dirt
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Meanings
der Schmutz
filth
Morally offensive or indecent content in a figurative sense, such as rumors, lies, or vulgar depictions.
EXAMPLE
Diese Zeitung druckt nur Schmutz und Klatschgeschichten.
This newspaper prints nothing but filth and gossip stories.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Schmutz' (dirt) is the basis for the adjective 'schmutzig' (dirty) and the verb 'verschmutzen' (to pollute/soil). All words in this family refer to uncleanliness.
EXAMPLE
Deine Hände sind schmutzig, wasch sie bitte.
Your hands are dirty; please wash them.
Use as an uncountable noun
In its main meaning, 'Schmutz' (dirt) is used as an uncountable noun. You say 'viel Schmutz' (a lot of dirt) or 'etwas Schmutz' (some dirt), but normally not a plural form.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Gartenarbeit hatte ich überall Schmutz an der Kleidung.
After gardening, I had dirt all over my clothes.
Context clue
The literal meaning refers to physical dirt. The figurative meaning can be recognized from the context of media, rumors, or morally questionable behavior.
EXAMPLE
Der Hausmeister entfernt den Schmutz im Treppenhaus.
The caretaker removes the dirt in the stairwell.
Typical collocations
Common verbs in connection with physical dirt are 'Schmutz machen' (to make a mess/create dirt), 'Schmutz entfernen' (to remove dirt), or 'im Schmutz spielen' (to play in the dirt).
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du mit den nassen Schuhen keinen Schmutz machst.
Be careful not to make a mess with your wet shoes.
Register and style
In its figurative meaning, 'Schmutz' (filth) is a very strong, derogatory word. It is used to brand content or behavior as morally reprehensible.
EXAMPLE
In der Kampagne wurde viel mit Schmutz geworfen.
A lot of mud was slung during the campaign.
Compare with
Schmutz vs Dreck
dirt / crap
Dreck and Schmutz both refer to a substance that makes something dirty. Schmutz is the more neutral term, whereas Dreck is colloquial and often sounds more strongly evaluative. Use Schmutz in factual situations and Dreck when you want to emphasize the dirt or use a clearly colloquial term.
Schmutz
Der Schmutz an meinen Schuhen geht kaum noch ab.
The dirt on my shoes is almost impossible to remove.
Dreck
Der Dreck an meinen Schuhen geht kaum noch ab.
The dirt on my shoes is almost impossible to remove.
In real life
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