noun
dirt
B1
Dreck: masculine noun meaning 'dirt', 'filth' or insulting 'filth/crap'. Usually a mass noun—no common plural; plural 'Drecke' exists but rare. Genitive often 'des Drecks'. Used in coarse or colloquial contexts. Collocations: 'im Dreck', 'Dreck am Stecken'. Can be used literally and figuratively to disparage something.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Der Mechaniker entfernte den Dreck, weil das Teil sonst weiter beschädigt wurde.
The mechanic removed the dirt because the part would otherwise have been further damaged.
Der Hund hat überall Dreck ins Haus gebracht.
The dog tracked dirt all over the house.
Nach dem Spaziergang im Regen war der Hund voller Dreck.
After the walk in the rain, the dog was covered in dirt.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture muddy footprints and scattered soil labeled 'Dreck' on the floor.
Dreck ~ 'dreck' sounds like English 'wreck' (mess), which can help remember 'dirt'.
der — associate the D in 'Dreck' with D in 'der' to remember masculine gender.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Dreck is often used as an uncountable noun meaning dirt or filth. It can be used literally or figuratively (e.g., 'im Dreck sitzen' — to be in a bad situation).