die Spülung
flush
The device on a toilet that directs water into the bowl to wash away its contents.
EXAMPLE
Die Spülung an unserer Toilette ist kaputt und läuft ununterbrochen.
The flush on our toilet is broken and keeps running continuously.
die Spülung
flush / conditioner / rinse
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Meanings
die Spülung
conditioner
A hair-care product applied after washing to make the hair easier to comb, softer, and shinier; a conditioner.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Shampoo solltest du eine Spülung verwenden, damit deine Haare nicht so trocken sind.
After shampooing, you should use conditioner so your hair isn't so dry.
die Spülung
rinse / flushing
The process of cleaning or flushing something with a liquid in order to remove residue.
EXAMPLE
Eine regelmäßige Spülung des Kühlsystems beim Auto ist wichtig für die Wartung.
Regular flushing of the cooling system in a car is important for maintenance.
die Spülung
irrigation / flushing
A medical procedure in which a body cavity or organ is flushed with a liquid in order to clean or treat it.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war eine Spülung der Wunde notwendig, um Infektionen zu vermeiden.
After the accident, irrigation of the wound was necessary to prevent infections.
Usage tips
Word family
All meanings of 'die Spülung' derive from the verb 'spülen' (to rinse/flush), which means 'to clean something with a liquid or let a liquid flow through it.' This basic idea of rinsing or flushing connects the toilet flush, hair conditioner, and medical irrigation.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte das Gemüse kurz spülen?
Can you please rinse the vegetables briefly?
Context clues
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. Words like 'Toilette' (toilet) or 'WC' point to the toilet flush. With 'Haare' (hair) or 'Shampoo' (shampoo), it is about hair care. In a medical context, words like 'Wunde' (wound) or 'Arzt' (doctor) point to medical irrigation.
EXAMPLE
Meine Haare sind nach der neuen Spülung viel weicher.
My hair is much softer after the new conditioner.
Typical verbs (toilet)
When talking about the toilet, typical verbs are 'die Spülung betätigen' (to operate the flush) or 'die Spülung drücken' (to press the flush button). Colloquially, you also hear 'die Spülung ziehen' (to pull the flush), which comes from older toilet models.
EXAMPLE
Bitte nach der Benutzung die Spülung betätigen.
Please flush after use.
Typical verbs (hair care)
In the context of hair care, 'Spülung' (conditioner) is often combined with verbs such as 'verwenden' (to use), 'auftragen' (to apply), 'einwirken lassen' (to leave on), and 'ausspülen' (to rinse out).
EXAMPLE
Lass die Spülung ein paar Minuten einwirken, bevor du sie ausspülst.
Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
In real life
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