01
der Schwamm
sponge
A porous, absorbent cleaning tool used for washing or cleaning.
example
Kannst du mir bitte den Schwamm geben, um den Tisch abzuwischen?
Could you please give me the sponge so I can wipe the table?
der Schwamm
sponge
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Schwamm' depends strongly on the context. In the kitchen, it is a cleaning tool; in the basement of a house, it is a dangerous fungus; and in the sea, it is an animal.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche einen neuen Schwamm für die Küche.
I need a new sponge for the kitchen.
Fixed expression
'Schwamm drüber!' (let's forget it!) is a fixed expression. You use it to end an argument and signal that you want to forget the matter and not talk about it anymore.
EXAMPLE
Okay, wir hatten verschiedene Meinungen, aber jetzt ist es auch egal. Schwamm drüber!
Okay, we had different opinions, but it doesn't matter now. Let's forget it!
Typical verbs
In connection with a cleaning sponge, the verbs 'ausdrücken' (to squeeze out), 'nass machen' (to wet), and 'abwischen' (to wipe) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Schwamm nass machen und den Tisch abwischen?
Could you please wet the sponge and wipe the table?
Warning sign in construction
When 'Schwamm' is mentioned in the context of buildings, basements, or wood, it almost always refers to the harmful fungus. This is a serious problem and has nothing to do with cleaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Sanierung des alten Hauses wird teuer, weil überall der Schwamm ist.
The renovation of the old house will be expensive because there is dry rot everywhere.
Compare with
Schwamm vs Lappen
rag / license / wimp
'der Lappen' and 'der Schwamm' are both often used for cleaning. The difference lies in the material and shape. A 'Lappen' is a piece of cloth used to wipe or dry surfaces. A 'Schwamm' is thicker, soft, and absorbent; it is often used with water and cleaning products, for example for dishes or tiles. The words can be confused because both are used for cleaning. Remember: with a 'Lappen' you are more likely to wipe; with a 'Schwamm' you are more likely to scrub or wash.
Schwamm
Sofia reinigt die Pfanne mit einem Schwamm und etwas Spülmittel.
Sofia cleans the pan with a sponge and a little dish soap.
Lappen
Für den verschütteten Saft nimmt Lisa schnell einen Lappen aus der Küche.
For the spilled juice, Lisa quickly takes a cloth from the kitchen.
In real life
Loading video examples...