How to translate "Abpumpen" on a washing machine

Washing machines from Germany are very popular among our compatriots. However, many owners of these machines face a serious problem: all the labels are in German. This makes it quite difficult to understand which function or program is being referred to, especially considering that, depending on the model, full labels or abbreviations may be used. To avoid confusion, it's necessary to translate these terms from German. However, few people are able to do this independently. We suggest you understand the meaning of "Abpumpen" and other labels in Russian.

What does "Abpumpen" mean?

Translated from German, Abpumpen means draining water from a tank. That is, we are not talking about a washing program, but about an additional function that simplifies the use of the washing machine. This feature immediately activates the pump and completely removes any liquid currently in the drum. This feature can be used both during the wash cycle (after the main program has stopped) and during the rinse cycle.

This mode can be started even if the spin cycle has stopped. It allows you to remove residual liquid, ensuring that laundry is sufficiently dry when removed from the drum. Sometimes the long term "Abpumpen" is replaced by the short "Pumpen" (translated as "drain").

Other additional features

The control panel of German washing machines also features symbols for other important additional functions. Let's look at their translation.

• Kurz – washing on a shortened program.
• Time Spare – a function similar to the previous one. It helps save time.
• Intensive. This mode operates the drum in an enhanced mode, increasing the wash time. It's used when heavily soiled items need to be washed.
• Flecken (stains). A mode that removes stains.
• Temp. An additional option that allows you to adjust the temperature.
• U/min (revolutions per minute). The user can select the number of revolutions.
• Wasser plus (translated as water plus). Increases the volume of liquid in the drum during washing.
• Spülen plus (from German "rinse plus") refers to the extra rinse function.
• Spül Stop (stop rinse). Allows you to stop the washing process immediately after the rinse cycle is complete.

This function is used when washing items that cannot be spun. The program will stop, and the water will remain in the drum. Then, select a gentle spin or drain cycle.

• Starken (meaning "starching") allows you to add more starch to your laundry.
• Delayed start (Zeitvorwahl). This option allows the machine to start at a specific time. It's especially important for those with a day/night electricity tariff.

For example, if the rate changes at midnight and users prefer to go to bed earlier, you can set a delayed start. At the scheduled time, the program will automatically activate, and the wash will run at the night rate, saving you money.

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