die Toilette
restroom
The room where a toilet bowl is located; a WC. This is the most common everyday use of the word.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, wo finde ich hier die Toilette?
Excuse me, where can I find the restroom here?
die Toilette
toilet / restroom
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Meanings
die Toilette
toilet
The sanitary fixture itself, that is, the toilet bowl with a flush.
EXAMPLE
Die Toilette ist verstopft, wir müssen einen Handwerker rufen.
The toilet is clogged; we need to call a repairman.
seine/ihre Toilette machen
to do one's toilette
The process of washing, dressing, and doing one's hair; personal grooming. This meaning is elevated or outdated.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Aufstehen machte er in aller Ruhe seine morgendliche Toilette.
After getting up, he calmly did his morning toilette.
Usage tips
Correct preposition
To describe going to the toilet, German uses the preposition 'auf' (on). Movement is expressed with the accusative ('auf die Toilette gehen' — to go to the toilet), and location/state with the dative ('auf der Toilette sein' — to be on the toilet/in the restroom).
EXAMPLE
Das Kind muss dringend auf die Toilette.
The child urgently needs to go to the toilet.
Room or fixture?
Whether the room or the toilet bowl is meant usually becomes clear from the verb. Questions like 'Wo ist die Toilette?' (Where is the restroom?) refer to the room, while sentences like 'Die Toilette ist verstopft' (The toilet is clogged) mean the fixture.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte zeigen, wo die Damentoilette ist?
Could you please show me where the ladies' restroom is?
Typical questions
In everyday life, the most common use is asking about the location. You ask: 'Wo ist die Toilette?' (Where is the restroom?) or 'Könnte ich bitte Ihre Toilette benutzen?' (Could I please use your restroom?).
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigen Sie, gibt es hier in der Nähe eine öffentliche Toilette?
Excuse me, is there a public restroom nearby?
Elevated meaning
The expression 'seine/ihre Toilette machen' in the sense of 'to groom oneself and get dressed' is outdated. Today, you find it almost only in historical or literary language.
EXAMPLE
Die Gräfin verbrachte Stunden mit ihrer morgendlichen Toilette.
The countess spent hours on her morning toilette.
Compare with
Toilette vs Bad
bathroom / bath
In an apartment, „das Bad“ and „die Toilette“ can refer to the same room if it contains a toilet. „Das Bad“ refers to the entire room used for personal hygiene. „Die Toilette“ names the room after the toilet and is especially appropriate when you want to use it.
Toilette
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Bad
Entschuldigung, wo ist das Bad, damit ich mir die Hände waschen kann?
Excuse me, where is the bathroom? I need to wash my hands.
In real life
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