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entkalken

to descale, to remove limescale

verb ent-KAL-ken Rare

Usage Note

entkalken refers to removing limescale deposits from appliances (kettle, coffee machine, shower head) or surfaces. Hard water (hartes Wasser) makes this a regular household task, especially in southern Germany and Austria.

Examples

"Die Kaffeemaschine sollte man alle zwei Monate entkalken."

Natural Translation

The coffee machine should be descaled every two months.

Literal Translation

The coffee-machine should one every two months descale.

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