das Spülmittel
dishwashing liquid
A liquid or powder detergent used to wash dishes and cutlery.
EXAMPLE
Das Spülmittel steht neben der Spüle.
The dishwashing liquid is next to the sink.
das Spülmittel
dishwashing liquid
das Spülmittel, die Spülmittel
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Spülmittel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Spülmittel |
| genitive | des Spülmittels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Spülmittel | die Spülmittel |
| accusative | das Spülmittel | die Spülmittel |
| dative | dem Spülmittel | den Spülmitteln |
| genitive | des Spülmittels | der Spülmittel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Spülmittel' is made up of 'Spül-' and 'Mittel'. Here, 'Mittel' refers to a substance used for a specific purpose.
EXAMPLE
Das Spülmittel ist fast leer, deshalb kaufe ich eine neue Flasche.
The dishwashing liquid is almost empty, so I'm buying a new bottle.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'Spülmittel ins Wasser geben' (to add dishwashing liquid to the water), 'mit Spülmittel spülen' (to wash with dishwashing liquid), and 'ein paar Tropfen Spülmittel verwenden' (to use a few drops of dishwashing liquid). The quantity is often expressed with 'ein paar Tropfen' (a few drops) or 'ein Schuss' (a splash).
EXAMPLE
Für das schmutzige Geschirr reichen ein paar Tropfen Spülmittel.
A few drops of dishwashing liquid are enough for the dirty dishes.
With prepositions
When referring to the detergent as an aid, 'mit' (with) often comes before 'Spülmittel'. When talking about adding it to water, 'in' (into) is frequently used with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie spült die Gläser mit Spülmittel.
She washes the glasses with dishwashing liquid.
Er gibt etwas Spülmittel in das warme Wasser.
He adds some dishwashing liquid to the warm water.
In real life
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