das  Trocknen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtʁɔkn̩/

💧➡️☀️ What does 'das Trocknen' mean?

'Das Trocknen' is the nominalization of the verb trocknen ('to dry'). It refers to the process or act of something drying or being dried, meaning moisture is lost or removed.

It always takes the article 'das' because nominalized infinitives (verbs turned into nouns) in German are always neuter (sächlich). So, there's no confusion with other articles. It simply means 'the drying'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: das Trocknen

'Das Trocknen' is a nominalized infinitive and therefore always neuter. It's typically used only in the singular as it describes a process.

Declension (Strong Declension):

A plural ('die Trocknen') is grammatically possible but extremely rare and unusual. It would refer to multiple specific drying processes.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Trocknen der Wäsche dauert bei diesem Wetter länger.
   (The drying of the laundry takes longer in this weather.)
2. Nach dem Regen beginnt das langsame Trocknen der Straßen.
   (After the rain, the slow drying of the streets begins.)
3. Das Trocknen von Kräutern bewahrt ihr Aroma.
   (The drying of herbs preserves their aroma.)
4. Beim Trocknen der Haare benutze ich einen Föhn.
   (When drying my hair, I use a hairdryer.)

💡 How to Use 'das Trocknen'?

'Das Trocknen' is used to name the act or process of drying itself. It's more abstract than, for example, 'der Trockner' (the machine) or sometimes 'die Trocknung' (which can be more technical or refer to the result).

• Household: Das Trocknen der Wäsche (the drying of laundry), das Trocknen des Geschirrs (the drying of dishes).
• People: Das Trocknen der Haare (the drying of hair), das Trocknen nach dem Duschen (drying off after a shower).
• Nature: Das Trocknen des Bodens (the drying of the ground).
• Materials: Das Trocknen von Farbe (the drying of paint), Holz (wood), or Lehm (clay).
• Food: Das Trocknen von Obst (the drying of fruit) or Fleisch (meat) - often also called 'das Dörren'.

Comparison:

• Das Trocknen: The general process (e.g., 'Das Trocknen dauert Stunden.' - The drying takes hours.)
• Die Trocknung: Often more specific, technical, or the result (e.g., 'Die technische Trocknung des Gebäudes beginnt.' - The technical drying of the building begins.; 'Die Trocknung ist abgeschlossen.' - The drying is complete.) Sometimes used synonymously, but 'die Trocknung' often sounds more formal or technical.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

1. Article Mnemonic: All verbs used as nouns (nominalized infinitives) are neuter in German: das Laufen (the running), das Schwimmen (the swimming), das Essen (the eating), and also das Trocknen (the drying). Remember: "Das Doing is always 'das'".
2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine water leaving, making things dry. Think of drying as 'the process' or 'the event' – in German grammar, abstract processes derived from verbs often take 'das'. It's das thing that happens.

↔️ Opposites and Alternatives

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse das Trocknen (the process) with der Trockner (the dryer machine).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat das Handtuch schlechte Laune? Weil es ständig mit dem nassen Lappen abhängen muss und sich auf das Trocknen freut!

English: Why is the towel in a bad mood? Because it always has to hang out with the wet cloth and looks forward to the drying!

📜 Poem about Drying

German:
Die Wäsche hängt, im Wind sie weht,
das Trocknen ist's, was nun ansteht.
Die Sonne scheint, die Luft ist klar,
bald ist die Nässe nicht mehr da.
Ein Prozess, ganz schlicht und rein,
so soll das Trocknen immer sein.

English Translation:
The laundry hangs, it sways in the breeze,
the drying is what's coming with ease.
The sun is shining, the air is clear,
soon the dampness won't be here.
A process, simple and pure,
that's how drying should endure.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich nehme Nässe, geb' sie fort,
an manchem warmen, wind'gen Ort.
Mal schnell, mal langsam mein Bestreben,
Feuchtes in Trocknes zu erheben.
Was bin ich für ein Vorgang nur,
bekannt aus Haushalt und Natur?

English Translation:
I take away wetness, send it afar,
in many a warm, windy place, near or far.
Sometimes quick, sometimes slow is my aim,
to lift the damp into a dry frame.
What process am I, simple and pure,
known in households and nature, for sure?

Solution: Das Trocknen (The drying)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

'Das Trocknen' is formed by nominalizing the infinitive of the verb 'trocknen' ('to dry'). The verb 'trocknen' itself is derived from the adjective 'trocken' ('dry').

• Adjective: trocken ('dry')
• Verb: trocknen ('to make dry' or 'to become dry')
• Nominalized Infinitive: das Trocknen ('the process of drying')

Trivia: Physically, the process of drying often involves the evaporation of liquid.