das WC
toilet / restroom
A toilet or a room with a toilet; the abbreviation stands for “Water Closet,” or “Wasserklosett” (water closet).
EXAMPLE
Das WC befindet sich am Ende des Flurs.
The restroom is at the end of the hallway.
das WC
toilet / restroom
das WC, die WC
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry WC, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die WC |
| genitive | des WC |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das WC | die WC die WCs |
| accusative | das WC | die WC die WCs |
| dative | dem WC | den WC den WCs |
| genitive | des WC des WCs | der WC der WCs |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
“WC” is often used with verbs such as “benutzen” (to use), “putzen” (to clean), and “spülen” (to flush). In public facilities, you also often find signs such as “WC besetzt” (restroom occupied) or “WC frei” (restroom available).
EXAMPLE
Bitte benutzen Sie das WC im Erdgeschoss.
Please use the restroom on the ground floor.
Indicating location
For location or destination, “WC” is often used with prepositions such as “im” (in the restroom), “zum” (to the restroom), and “auf dem” (in the restroom / on the toilet). “Im WC” indicates the location, “zum WC” the direction, and “auf dem WC” a situation there.
EXAMPLE
Der Weg zum WC ist ausgeschildert.
The way to the restroom is signposted.
Im WC neben dem Eingang gibt es kein Licht.
There is no light in the restroom next to the entrance.
Er telefoniert gerade auf dem WC.
He is on the phone in the restroom right now.
Public signs
“WC” is especially useful in short notices, on signs, and on floor plans because the abbreviation takes up little space. That is why it often appears on its own or together with an arrow.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Plan steht neben dem Aufzug: WC →
On the floor plan, next to the elevator, it says: WC →
In real life
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