An electrical household appliance that uses suction to pick up dust and dirt from floors, carpets, and other surfaces.
example
Der Staubsauger ist voll, ich muss den Beutel wechseln.
The vacuum cleaner is full; I need to change the bag.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a perfect example of a German compound. It is made up of 'der Staub' (dust) and 'saugen' (to suck / to vacuum). So it is literally a machine that sucks up dust.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Staubsauger holen? Hier sind überall Krümel.
Can you please get the vacuum cleaner? There are crumbs everywhere here.
Related verb
The separable verb 'staubsaugen' (to vacuum) is derived from the noun 'der Staubsauger' (vacuum cleaner). So you can say 'Ich sauge mit dem Staubsauger' (I vacuum with the vacuum cleaner) or more simply 'Ich staubsauge' (I vacuum).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss heute noch die ganze Wohnung staubsaugen.
I still have to vacuum the whole apartment today.
Typical collocations
Common expressions related to the appliance are 'den Staubsauger einschalten/ausschalten' (to turn the vacuum cleaner on/off), 'den Staubsaugerbeutel wechseln' (to change the vacuum cleaner bag), or 'den Filter des Staubsaugers reinigen' (to clean the vacuum cleaner's filter).
EXAMPLE
Der Staubsauger macht komische Geräusche, vielleicht ist der Beutel voll.
The vacuum cleaner is making strange noises; maybe the bag is full.