How do you translate "Fein" on a washing machine?

The word "Fine" on a washing machine will seem unfamiliar to most users. Many studied English in school, so the markings on German-made appliances don't evoke even the slightest association. Even an online translator won't help, as it's tailored to common phrases, not technical terms. Let's figure out how to translate the names of the different modes on German washing machines.

The meaning of "Fane"

The "Fine" label on German washing machines indicates a delicate wash cycle. This is an abbreviated version of the cycle, which isn't always indicated in this way. Sometimes you can come across the full word "Feinwasche". With this program you can wash thin, delicate fabrics made of cotton and synthetic fibers.

This mode is suitable for washing tulle and other items that are easily damaged or deformed by rough handling. This cycle may omit the spin cycle, so you'll need to enable this function separately after the main wash. Ideally, the machine should be half full.

Important! If the "Fine" program is selected, do not completely fill the drum with items.

Names of other modes

Washing machines from German manufacturers typically have a large number of wash modes. Even an experienced user can get confused, so it's a good idea to have a translation handy. Let's look at the main programs and their features.

1. Einweichen (special soaking function). Durable cotton items are soaked in the drum in soapy water and detergent. The process takes longer than usual.
2. Prewash (pre-wash). Linens (synthetic or cotton) are first soaked, and only then are they washed in the standard cycle.
3. Hauptwasche (translated from German as "main wash"). This cycle is suitable for all types of fibers, from delicate to durable.
4. Kochwasche (hot wash). Clothes should be made of durable materials and are fairly heavily soiled. This is the ideal option for bed linens and other items that can be washed at the highest temperatures. This option allows you to wash your laundry at temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.
5. This mode is suitable for caring for colored cotton textiles with heavy to moderate soiling. The only difference from the previous mode is the maximum temperature, which should not exceed 60 degrees Celsius.
6. Mix (various fabrics). This is a special program for colored items with moderate soiling.
7. In this case, the translation is clear: in this mode, jeans and other items made from this material are washed.
8. Easy wash (light wash). Suitable for synthetics, underwear, blouses, and shirts that don't require ironing. Ideal for lightly soiled delicate fabrics.
9. Easy ironing (light ironing). This cycle is used to wash cotton and synthetic items. The spin cycle is quite gentle, allowing the fibers to be easily ironed and reducing wrinkles.
10. Wool and silk (Wool and Silk). Suitable for clothing and other items made from these materials. German machines don't always have a spin function, but it can be activated manually. The washing machine should always be only half-loaded.
11. Sport Intensive. A program for sportswear care. It's designed for washing moderately soiled fabrics used for sports.
12. Blitz, 30°, 30 min. Intensive wash for cotton and textiles lasting 30 minutes (sometimes 20). Items should weigh up to 3 kg.
13. Schnell Intensive (short intensive wash). Items should be made of natural fabrics and free of heavy soiling and ingrained stains.
14. Schleudern (Schonschleudern). This is a special gentle spin program used for washing cotton, silk, and synthetic fabrics.
15. Pumpen (Abpumpen) means "drain" in Russian. The liquid accumulated in the tank is simply pumped out and discharged into the sewer system.

There's also a special energy-saving feature called Energy Saving. It washes laundry in an intensive cycle. The drum spins at a specific speed and frequency, extending the cycle time. As a result, washing at 60 degrees is just as effective as at 90 degrees.

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