The idea
Use sauber for clean. Use rein for pure or clean in certain contexts. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.
| Expression | Meaning compared |
|---|---|
| sauber | „Sauber“ beschreibt fehlenden Schmutz. |
| rein | „Rein“ kann ungemischt oder frei von bestimmten Beimischungen bedeuten. |
Examples
- Bitte stelle die sauberen Teller ins Regal.Please put the clean plates on the shelf.
- Die Kette besteht aus reinem Silber.The necklace is made of pure silver.
- Nach dem Wischen ist der Boden sauber.After mopping, the floor is clean.
- Das war reiner Zufall.That was pure coincidence.
- Für das Experiment brauchen wir saubere Gläser.We need clean jars for the experiment.
- Die Beschreibung ist rein sachlich formuliert.The description is phrased in purely factual terms.
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Watch out
Rein can intensify a noun, as in reiner Zufall; sauber does not serve the same function.
Try it yourself
What does “sauber” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “rein”.
Show answer or example answer
„Sauber“ beschreibt fehlenden Schmutz. „Rein“ kann ungemischt oder frei von bestimmten Beimischungen bedeuten.
sauber matches clean; the German definition gives the intended sense.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Die Kette besteht aus reinem Silber.
Show answer or example answer
rein: „Rein“ kann ungemischt oder frei von bestimmten Beimischungen bedeuten.
Die Kette besteht aus reinem Silber. uses rein for pure or clean in certain contexts. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “sauber” and “rein” in different situations.
Show answer or example answer
Mögliche Lösungen: Nach dem Wischen ist der Boden sauber. Das war reiner Zufall.
The model pair keeps the meanings separate: sauber expresses clean, whereas rein expresses pure or clean in certain contexts. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
What does “sauber” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “rein”.
„Sauber“ beschreibt fehlenden Schmutz. „Rein“ kann ungemischt oder frei von bestimmten Beimischungen bedeuten.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Die Kette besteht aus reinem Silber.
rein: „Rein“ kann ungemischt oder frei von bestimmten Beimischungen bedeuten.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “sauber” and “rein” in different situations.
Mögliche Lösungen: Nach dem Wischen ist der Boden sauber. Das war reiner Zufall.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe two real situations from your day, using sauber in one and rein in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.