VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
noun

der Schwamm, ¨-e

sponge

Ein weiches Ding mit vielen kleinen Löchern, das Wasser gut aufsaugt und oft zum Waschen oder Putzen benutzt wird.

Definition & meaning

The German word Schwamm primarily translates to "sponge" in English and is used in three main contexts:

  1. Cleaning and Hygiene: It refers to a porous tool used for absorbing liquids and cleaning surfaces. This can be a natural sponge harvested from the sea or a synthetic sponge made from materials like polyester or cellulose.
  2. Biology: It denotes a member of the phylum Porifera, which are simple, multicellular aquatic animals that live by filtering water through their porous bodies.
  3. Idiomatic Expression: The phrase "Schwamm drüber!" is a common German idiom. It literally means "sponge over it," but it is used to mean "let's forget about it," "never mind," or "let's let bygones be bygones," suggesting that a mistake or disagreement should be wiped away like chalk on a blackboard.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a masculine noun (der Schwamm). The plural form involves an umlaut change: die Schwämme.

Etymologically, it comes from the Middle High German "swam" and the Old High German "swam" or "swamp." It is closely related to the English word "swamp" and the German word Sumpf, both of which refer to wet, soggy environments. In older forms of the language, the word was also used to describe fungi, which is why in some technical or regional contexts, wood-rotting fungi are still referred to as Hausschwamm.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • For cleaning: Putzschwamm, Reinigungsschwamm, or Lappen (though a cloth is technically different).
  • For bathing: Badeschwamm.
  • For the idiom: Versöhnung or Vergeben (referring to the act of forgiving).

Antonyms: As a physical object, there is no direct antonym, but contrasting materials include:

  • Stein (referring to something hard and non-absorbent).
  • Trockenheit (the state of being dry, as opposed to the soaked nature of a sponge).
  • For the idiom: Nachtragend (being resentful or holding a grudge).

Make “Schwamm” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Der Schwamm liegt auf dem Tisch.noun

The sponge is lying on the table.

Die Kinder brauchen zwei gelbe Schwämme.noun

The children need two yellow sponges.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play