German Phrase
Wer ist dran, das Geschirr zu spülen?
Meaning
This phrase uses the idiomatic expression 'dran sein' to inquire about the order of a recurring task. It specifically refers to the chore of washing dishes, which can also be called 'abwaschen' in German.
When to use
Use this in a shared apartment (WG) or family setting when the sink is full and you need to identify the person responsible for cleaning up. It is a direct but neutral way to address household duties.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Werist drandas Geschirrzu spülen
Dran sein
An informal idiom meaning 'to be one's turn'. It is conjugated with the verb 'sein'.
Zu-Infinitive
The verb 'spülen' moves to the end of the sentence and takes 'zu' because it depends on the preceding clause.
🗨In Conversation
Die Spüle ist voll. Wer ist dran, das Geschirr zu spülen?
The sink is full. Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?
Ich glaube, Lukas ist diese Woche an der Reihe.
I think it is Lukas's turn this week.
✕Common Mistakes
Wer ist nach, das Geschirr zu spülen?
English speakers often try to translate 'next' literally as 'nach', but 'dran sein' is the correct idiom for turns.
Wer ist dran das Geschirr spülen?
This construction requires an infinitive clause with 'zu' to connect the action to the turn.
↔Alternatives
Wer muss heute abwaschen?
Who has to do the washing up today?
Wer ist mit dem Abwasch an der Reihe?
Whose turn is it with the washing up?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, 'Wohngemeinschaften' (shared flats) often have a 'Putzplan' (cleaning schedule) posted on the fridge. While asking this question is common, people will often refer to the written plan to avoid arguments about whose turn it actually is.