German Phrase
Haben wir noch genug Spülmittel?
Meaning
This question asks whether we still have enough dish‑washing liquid left. It can be used when checking supplies before starting to wash dishes or when planning a grocery run.
When to use
Use this sentence in a kitchen or household context when you or someone else is about to wash dishes, or when you’re making a shopping list and need to confirm the current stock.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HabenwirnochgenugSpülmittel?
Verb Position (V2)
In German main clauses, the finite verb occupies the second position, so 'Haben' comes right after the subject or any fronted element.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb 'haben' is conjugated as 'haben' for the first person plural 'wir'.
Adverb 'noch'
'noch' means 'still' or 'anymore' and is placed before the quantity word to modify it.
Quantifier 'genug'
'genug' means 'enough' and can be used with nouns without a preposition.
Noun Gender & Article Omission
'Spülmittel' is a neuter noun (das Spülmittel); in questions the article can be omitted when the quantity is expressed.
🗨In Conversation
Haben wir noch genug Spülmittel?
Do we still have enough dish‑washing liquid?
Ja, wir haben noch eine Flasche, aber sie ist fast leer.
Yes, we still have one bottle, but it’s almost empty.
✕Common Mistakes
Habens wir noch genug Spülmittel?
The verb must be conjugated as 'haben' for 'wir', not the incorrect 'habens'.
Haben wir noch genuges Spülmittel?
‘genug’ is indeclinable; do not add the ending -es.
Haben wir noch genug Spülmitteles?
‘Spülmittel’ is neuter and does not take a genitive ending here.
↔Alternatives
Ist noch genug Spülmittel da?
Is there still enough dish‑washing liquid?
Haben wir noch Spülmittel?
Do we still have dish‑washing liquid?
Gibt es noch genug Spülmittel?
Is there still enough dish‑washing liquid?
Cultural Tip
In German households, it’s common to keep the dish‑washing liquid in a designated cupboard near the sink. When asking about supplies, Germans often prefer a direct question like this rather than a vague statement. Note that ‘Spülmittel’ covers both liquid and powder detergents, so the context will clarify which you mean.