01
schmutzig
dirty
Covered with dirt, grime, or another unclean substance; not clean.
example
Deine Hände sind nach der Gartenarbeit ganz schmutzig.
Your hands are completely dirty after the gardening.
schmutzig
dirty
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schmutzig' (dirty) derives directly from the noun 'der Schmutz' (dirt). Something that is full of dirt is 'schmutzig' (dirty).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Spaziergang im Regen war überall Schmutz auf dem Boden.
After the walk in the rain, there was dirt everywhere on the floor.
Context clues
The meaning of 'schmutzig' (dirty) depends strongly on the noun it describes. 'Schmutzige Kleidung' (dirty clothes) is meant literally, while 'schmutzige Gedanken' (dirty thoughts) or 'ein schmutziges Geschäft' (a dirty deal/business) are metaphorical.
EXAMPLE
Bitte zieh deine schmutzigen Schuhe aus, bevor du ins Haus kommst.
Please take off your dirty shoes before you come into the house.
Metaphorical meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'schmutzig' (dirty) describes something morally offensive or unfair. Typical combinations are 'ein schmutziger Witz' (a dirty joke), 'ein schmutziger Trick' (a dirty trick), or 'ein schmutziger Wahlkampf' (a dirty election campaign).
EXAMPLE
Die gegnerische Mannschaft gewann durch ein schmutziges Foul.
The opposing team won through a dirty foul.
Fixed idiom
The phrase 'schmutzige Wäsche waschen' (to air dirty laundry) is a fixed idiom. It means to discuss private, unpleasant, or embarrassing matters in public.
EXAMPLE
Bei ihrer Scheidung haben sie eine Menge schmutzige Wäsche gewaschen.
During their divorce, they aired a lot of dirty laundry.
Use with colors
When 'schmutzig' (muddy/dull) stands before a color, it means that the shade is not clear or bright. It then looks cloudy, dull, or mixed with gray.
EXAMPLE
Die Fassade war in einem schmutzigen Weiß gestrichen, das dringend einen neuen Anstrich brauchte.
The facade was painted a dull white that badly needed a new coat of paint.
Compare with
schmutzig vs rein
pure / in
'rein' and 'schmutzig' are opposites when you are talking about cleanliness. 'rein' describes something without dirt or stains. 'schmutzig' describes something that is not clean, for example clothes, hands, or a floor. 'schmutzig' is a very normal word in everyday life. In this contrast, 'rein' sounds a little less everyday than 'sauber', but it fits when you want to emphasize that something is truly free of dirt.
schmutzig
Nach dem Kochen war die Küche schmutzig.
After cooking, the kitchen was dirty.
rein
Für den Verband muss das Tuch ganz rein sein.
For the bandage, the cloth must be completely clean.
In real life
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