Learning German words related to clothes and fashion can be really useful for expanding one's vocabulary. It can also of course be helpful for communicating with native speakers about these topics - if you have an interest in fashion.
Lederhosen & Dirndl
In German, like many other languages, nouns are either masculine, feminine, or neuter. This grammatical gender is not related to the biological gender of the animal, but it does affect the forms of the article and some of the endings of adjectives (for example).
But even if you aren't a fashionista and aren't particularly interested in having a conversation about Tom Ford's latest autumn collection: As a proud & respectable German learner, don't you want to own your very own pair of Lederhosen?
Maybe not. Well, in any case: Knowing some clothes vocabulary in German is pretty useful. Just believe us.
German Clothes Vocabulary
Let's start with the most basic words for German clothes: stuff like shirts, skirts, trousers & jackets.
Of course, we've included in this list: What could be more basic than a solid pair of Bavarian Lederhosen?
- die Jackejacket
- der Pulloverpullover
- das Hemdshirt
- die Hosetrousers
- die Latzhosedungarees
- der Rockskirt
- die Westevest
- die kurze Hoseshorts
- der Anzugsuit
- die Bluseblouse
- das Kleiddress
One thing to notice is that the German word for trousers is used in the singular: it's "die Hose". You wouldn't normally say "a pair of trousers" in German.
Underwear
The German word for underwear is easy to remember, as it's more or less a direct translation from the English: "die Unterwäsche."
This includes items such as bras for women, which are called "BHs" or "Büstenhalter," and briefs or boxers for men, which are called "Unterhose" or "Boxershorts."
- der Strumpfsock
- die Socke (sg.)sock
- die Socken (pl.)socks
- die Strumpfhosestockings
- das Unterhemdundershirt
- die Unterhoseunderpants
- der BH (Büstenhalter)bra
- die Boxershortsboxers
One more thing to note is that lingerie (or more revealing underwear) is usually referred to as "Dessous" in German.
Shoes & Footwear
In German, "Schuhe" refers to shoes in general. There are many different types of shoes and footwear, and each has its own specific name in German.
For example, "Sneakers" are called "Turnschuhe," "Flip-flops" are called "Badeschuhe," "High heels" are called "High Heels," and "Boots" are called "Stiefel."
Other types of shoes include "Ballerinas," which are ballet flats, "Mokassins," which are loafers, and "Halbschuhe," which are low-cut shoes or loafers.
- der Schuhshoe
- der Stiefelboot
- die Sandalesandal
- der Pantoffelslipper
- der Sneakersneaker
- Schuhe mit Absatzshoes with high heels
Sandals, slippers & flip-flops are exactly the same in German.
It's worth noting that some of these terms, such as "Sneakers" and "Flip-flops," are loanwords from English and have the same meanings in German.
Winter Clothes
When it comes to staying warm in winter, Germans have a wide range of clothing options to choose from. For outerwear, a popular choice is a "Mantel," which is a coat that falls to the knee or below.
Another option is a - which is the German word for jacket. On exceptionally cold days or a night out at the christmas market, you might be thankful to be wearing a "Daunenjacke" or a "Steppjacke" (puffer jackets filled with down or a synthetic material).
- der Mantelcoat
- der Regenmantelraincoat
- der Winterstiefelwinter boot
- der Schalscarf
- der Handschuhglove
- die Mützehat
- die Ohrenwärmer (pl.)earwarmer
Other useful words to know when it comes to German winter clothes vocabulary are "der Schal" (scarf), "die Mütze" (hat) and "die Handschuhe (pl.)" (gloves) To keep your feet warm, you might want to be wearing "Stiefel" (boots).
Fabrics
There are many different types of fabrics used in the world of fashion, and each has its own unique properties and characteristics. In German, some common fabric types include ,, , & .
- die Baumwollecotton
- die Seidesilk
- das Lederleather
- das Wildlederwild leather
- die Wollewool
- der Polyesterpolyester
Other fabrics that are commonly used in Germany include ,
&.
German Fabric Patterns
Fabric patterns, such as stripes, polka dots, and plaid, can also be described in German using words like "Streifen," "Karo," and "Glencheck-Muster":
Clothing Parts
- der Stofffabric
- das Materialmaterial
- der Ärmelsleeve
- das Hosenbeinleg
- der Ausschnittneckline
- der Kragencollar
- der Knopfbutton
- der Manschettenknopfcufflink
- das Futterlining / stuffing
- der Schnürsenkelshoe lace