SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to At Home

German Phrase

Hast du das Geschirr schon abgewaschen?

/has(t) duː das ɡəˈʃɪʁ ˈʃɔːn ˈapɡəˌvaʃən/
Meaning"Have you already washed the dishes?"
💡

Meaning

The speaker is asking whether the dishes have already been washed. The word schon adds the nuance that the washing was expected to have happened by now, so the question can sound slightly impatient or simply checking on a chore.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence in a household setting after a meal, when you want to confirm if the dish‑washing task is done. It works both in casual family conversations and in shared‑apartment situations where chores are divided.

✦Grammar Breakdown

HastdudasGeschirrschonabgewaschen?

1

Verb‑Second (V2) Rule

In main clauses the finite verb (Hast) occupies the second position, followed by the subject (du).

2

Present Perfect with 'haben'

Hast is the 2nd‑person singular present of haben, used as the auxiliary for the perfect tense.

3

Past Participle with Prefix

abgewaschen is the past participle of abwaschen; the prefix ‘ab‑’ is required when talking about washing dishes.

4

Adverb Placement

The adverb schon (already) is placed before the past participle, which stays at the end of the clause.

5

Neuter Article

Geschirr is a neuter noun, so the correct article is das.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du das Geschirr schon abgewaschen?

Have you already washed the dishes?

Ja, ich habe es gerade fertig gemacht.

Yes, I just finished it.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hast du das Geschirr schon gewaschen?

    The verb for washing dishes requires the prefix ab‑ (abwaschen). Using nur "gewaschen" sounds like you washed something in general, not specifically dishes.

  • Hast du der Geschirr schon abgewaschen?

    Geschirr is neuter; the correct article is das, not der.

  • Schon abgewaschen hast du das Geschirr?

    In a main clause the finite verb must stay in second position; moving it to the end breaks the V2 rule.

↔Alternatives

  • Hast du das Geschirr bereits gewaschen?

    Have you already washed the dishes?

  • Ist das Geschirr schon sauber?

    Is the dishes already clean?

  • Hast du das Geschirr noch nicht abgewaschen?

    Haven't you washed the dishes yet?

de

Cultural Tip

In German households chores are often shared and discussed openly. Adding schon can be a gentle reminder that the task was expected earlier, but it can also sound a bit pushy if the tone is too sharp. In more formal settings you might use the neutral "Haben Sie das Geschirr bereits abgewaschen?" when speaking to strangers or elders.