German Phrase
Die Toilette spült nicht.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘The toilet isn’t flushing.’ It is used to report a malfunction of a toilet, typically in a public place or a shared household.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform someone—like a landlord, hotel staff, or a roommate—that the toilet is not working properly. It’s a straightforward, factual statement that can be followed by a request for help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieToilettespültnicht.
Definite article (Die)
‘Die’ is the nominative feminine singular article, used because ‘Toilette’ is a feminine noun.
Noun gender (Toilette)
‘Toilette’ is a feminine noun; its article and adjective endings must match the feminine gender.
Verb conjugation (spült)
‘spülen’ (to flush) is conjugated in the 3rd person singular present: ‘spült’.
Negation (nicht)
‘nicht’ negates the verb and is placed directly after the verb in a simple statement.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, die Toilette spült nicht.
Excuse me, the toilet isn’t flushing.
Oh, das ist ärgerlich. Ich rufe den Hausmeister.
Oh, that’s annoying. I’ll call the caretaker.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Toilette nicht spült.
‘nicht’ must follow the verb, not precede it.
Die Toilette ist nicht spült.
Avoid using ‘ist’ with ‘spült’; the verb already conveys the action.
↔Alternatives
Die Toilette funktioniert nicht.
The toilet doesn’t work.
Die Toilette läuft nicht.
The toilet isn’t running.
Die Toilette spült gar nicht.
The toilet doesn’t flush at all.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it’s polite to start with ‘Entschuldigung’ or ‘Entschuldigen Sie bitte’ before reporting a problem. If you’re in a hotel, you can also say ‘Könnten Sie bitte den Hausmeister rufen?’ (Could you please call the caretaker?). Avoid sounding demanding; a courteous tone is appreciated.