Gebügelt

Gebügelt is a German word formed as the past participle of the verb bügeln, meaning to iron or press fabric with an iron. It describes fabric or garments that have been smoothed and pressed, typically as a result of ironing. The form can be used attributively (ein gebügeltes Hemd) or predicatively (das Hemd ist gebügelt).

In grammar, gebügelt functions as a standard past participle of a weak verb. It is used to form the perfect tense with haben (Ich habe das Hemd gebügelt) and can appear in passive constructions with werden (Das Hemd wird gebügelt). When used as an adjective, it agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case: ein gebügeltes Hemd, gebügelte Hemden, etc.

Usage and nuance: The term is common in everyday German, especially in discussions of laundry and clothing care. It is also found on care labels and in instructions. Beyond its literal meaning, gebügelt can be used metaphorically to describe something that is neat, orderly, or strictly organized, though this figurative use is more literary than everyday.

See also: bügeln, the verb meaning to iron; Bügel as a noun referring to an iron or ironing tool, or to a hanger in other contexts. Gebügelt is part of standard German grammar and word formation, illustrating how past participles can function as adjectives in addition to forming compound tenses.