01
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
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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 mean something that makes an object unclean. 'Schmutz' is the more neutral word and fits in many normal or factual situations, for example when cleaning. 'Dreck' is more colloquial and often sounds stronger, rougher, or more annoyed. You say it especially when something is very dirty or you are upset about it. Learners may confuse the words because they often refer to the same thing. If you want to sound neutral, use 'Schmutz'; if you want to show annoyance or everyday speech, 'Dreck' fits.
Schmutz
Mit warmem Wasser lässt sich der Schmutz vom Fenster leicht entfernen.
The dirt can be easily removed from the window with warm water.
Dreck
Nach dem Spaziergang war überall Dreck auf den Schuhen.
After the walk, there was dirt all over the shoes.
In real life
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