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German Phrase

Ich muss heute Wäsche waschen.

/ɪç mʊs ˈhɔʏtə ˈvɛʃə ˈvaʃn̩/
Meaning"I have to do the laundry today."
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Meaning

This phrase indicates a personal obligation or a planned chore for the day. It combines the modal verb 'müssen' (to have to) with the activity of washing clothes, highlighting a common domestic task.

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When to use

Use this phrase when discussing your daily schedule or explaining why you might be busy at home. It is appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family, or roommates.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchmussheuteWäschewaschen

1

Modalverb (müssen)

'Muss' is the conjugated form of 'müssen' for the first person singular, expressing necessity.

2

Satzklammer

German uses a 'sentence bracket' where the conjugated verb 'muss' stays in second position and the infinitive 'waschen' moves to the end.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du Lust, heute Nachmittag spazieren zu gehen?

Do you feel like going for a walk this afternoon?

Ich würde gerne, aber ich muss heute Wäsche waschen.

I'd like to, but I have to do laundry today.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich muss heute Wäsche gewaschen.

    When using a modal verb like 'muss', the main verb must be in its infinitive form 'waschen' at the end of the sentence.

  • Ich muss heute waschen Wäsche.

    In German main clauses with modal verbs, the infinitive verb is placed at the very end of the sentence.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich mache heute die Wäsche.

    I am doing the laundry today.

  • Ich wasche heute meine Kleidung.

    I am washing my clothes today.

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, doing laundry on Sundays is often discouraged or even prohibited in some apartment buildings due to 'Sonntagsruhe' (Sunday rest). It is also very common to air-dry clothes on a rack rather than using a mechanical dryer.