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German Phrase

Putzt du dir die Zähne?

/ˈpʊt͡st duː diːɐ̯ diː ˈt͡sɛːnə/
Meaning"Do you brush your teeth?"
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Meaning

Literally, “Do you brush your teeth?” It is a straightforward yes‑no question about a daily oral‑hygiene habit. In German the verb ‘putzen’ is the standard verb for brushing teeth, not ‘bürsten’.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to ask a friend, family member, or a patient about their brushing routine – e.g., before a meal, after a dentist visit, or in a language‑learning role‑play about daily routines.

✦Grammar Breakdown

PutztdudirdieZähne?

1

Verb‑Second & Question Inversion

In German yes‑no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject. Hence 'Putzt du…' instead of 'Du putzt…'.

2

Reflexive Dative for Body Parts

When you perform an action on a part of your own body, the reflexive pronoun is dative (dir) and the body part stays in the accusative (die Zähne).

3

Plural Definite Article

‘Zähne’ is plural, so it takes the definite article ‘die’ in the accusative case.

🗨In Conversation

A

Putzt du dir die Zähne?

Do you brush your teeth?

Ja, ich putze sie jeden Morgen und Abend.

Yes, I brush them every morning and evening.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Putzt du dich die Zähne?

    The reflexive pronoun for body‑part actions must be dative (dir), not accusative (dich).

  • Du putzt dir die Zähne?

    In a yes‑no question the verb must come first; ‘Du putzt…?’ is a statement, not a question.

  • Putzt du dir die Zahn?

    ‘Zähne’ is plural; using the singular ‘Zahn’ would change the meaning to ‘Do you brush your tooth?’

↔Alternatives

  • Reinigst du deine Zähne?

    Do you clean your teeth?

  • Bürstest du deine Zähne?

    Do you brush your teeth?

  • Hast du deine Zähne geputzt?

    Did you brush your teeth?

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries oral hygiene is taken seriously; it’s common to ask about brushing before meals or at the dentist’s office. Note that ‘Zähne putzen’ is the idiomatic expression – using ‘bürsten’ sounds foreign. Also, the reflexive pronoun is always dative (dir) when the body part is the object, a pattern you’ll see with other actions like ‘Waschen dir die Hände?’ (Do you wash your hands?).