01
die Wäscherei
laundry
A business where clothing and other textiles are professionally washed, dried, and ironed.
example
Ich muss meinen Anzug in die Wäscherei bringen.
I have to take my suit to the laundry.
die Wäscherei
laundry / laundry room
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'die Wäsche' (laundry) and the ending '-erei'. The ending '-erei' often refers to a place where a certain activity is carried out or a trade is located, as in 'Bäckerei' (bakery) or 'Metzgerei' (butcher's shop).
EXAMPLE
Neben der Bäckerei hat eine neue Wäscherei aufgemacht.
A new laundry has opened next to the bakery.
Preposition and case
Pay attention to the case after the preposition 'in'. If you bring something there, use the accusative for direction. If something is already there, use the dative for location.
EXAMPLE
Er bringt die Tischdecken in die Wäscherei.
He takes the tablecloths to the laundry.
Context clue
Context tells you whether a shop (meaning 1) or a room in the house (meaning 2) is meant. People speak of a 'gemeinsame Wäscherei im Keller' (shared laundry room in the basement) in an apartment building. When you 'in die Wäscherei bringt' (take clothing to the laundry), a professional business is usually meant.
EXAMPLE
Meine Hemden lasse ich immer in der Wäscherei reinigen.
I always have my shirts cleaned at the laundry.
Typical collocations
When referring to the service, typical formulations are 'etwas in die Wäscherei bringen' (to take something to the laundry) to have it cleaned, and 'etwas aus der Wäscherei abholen' (to pick something up from the laundry) when it is ready.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss heute noch mein Jackett aus der Wäscherei abholen.
I still have to pick up my jacket from the laundry today.
Compare with
Wäscherei vs Reinigung
cleaning
'Reinigung' and 'Wäscherei' can both be places where clothing or textiles are cleaned. A 'Reinigung' often means a shop for professional garment care, especially for delicate clothing or dry cleaning. A 'Wäscherei' washes, dries, and irons laundry, often in larger quantities, for example for hotels or companies. 'Wäscherei' can also mean a room with a washing machine and dryer. The words can be confused because both have to do with clothing. For suits, coats, or delicate fabrics, 'Reinigung' sounds more natural. For bed linen, towels, or regular laundry, 'Wäscherei' is more likely to fit.
Wäscherei
Im Keller des Wohnhauses gibt es eine kleine Wäscherei.
There is a small laundry room in the basement of the apartment building.
Reinigung
Vor der Feier bringt Maria ihr Kleid in die Reinigung.
Before the party, Maria takes her dress to the dry cleaner's.
In real life
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