laundry
Loading your saved state.
laundry
Clothing, towels, bedding, and similar items that need to be washed, are currently being washed, or are already clean.
Am Samstag muss ich unbedingt die Wäsche machen.
On Saturday I absolutely have to do the laundry.
The word 'Wäsche' (laundry) is almost always used only in the singular, even when it refers to many pieces of clothing. You say 'viel Wäsche' (a lot of laundry) or 'ein Berg Wäsche' (a mountain of laundry), but not 'viele Wäschen'.
Ich habe am Wochenende die ganze Wäsche gewaschen.
I washed all the laundry over the weekend.
'Die Wäsche' (laundry) is the noun related to the verb 'waschen' (to wash). It describes both the clothing that needs to be washed and the act of washing itself in the phrase 'Wäsche waschen' (to do laundry).
Kannst du mir helfen, die nasse Wäsche aufzuhängen?
Can you help me hang up the wet laundry?
In everyday life, 'Wäsche' (laundry) is often combined with verbs that describe the whole process: Wäsche machen/waschen (to do/wash laundry), Wäsche aufhängen/trocknen (to hang up/dry laundry), and Wäsche zusammenlegen/bügeln (to fold/iron laundry).
Der riesige Berg schmutziger Wäsche wartet auf mich.
The huge mountain of dirty laundry is waiting for me.
The meaning 'Unterwäsche' (underwear) is usually recognized from context. When someone is packing clothes for a trip, shopping in a fashion store, or talking about 'schöner Wäsche' (beautiful lingerie/underwear), it often means underwear.
Im Kaufhaus gibt es eine ganze Abteilung nur für Damenwäsche.
In the department store, there is a whole section just for women's underwear.
clothing
'die Kleidung' and 'die Wäsche' can both refer to things you wear. 'Kleidung' is the general term for items such as pants, sweaters, dresses, and jackets. 'Wäsche' is used when washing is involved: 'schmutzige Wäsche' (dirty laundry), 'nasse Wäsche' (wet laundry), or 'saubere Wäsche' (clean laundry). In addition, 'Wäsche' can also mean underwear or nightwear. Learners confuse the words because many items of clothing can also be laundry. If you are talking about wearing something, 'Kleidung' is more natural; if you are talking about washing or sorting, 'Wäsche' is correct.
Zu Hause hängt sie die Wäsche auf den Balkon.
At home, she hangs the laundry on the balcony.
Für die Wanderung braucht ihr warme Kleidung und feste Schuhe.
For the hike, you need warm clothing and sturdy shoes.