Clothes in German list
- das Hemd shirt
- die Hose trousers/pants
- das Kleid dress
- der Pullover sweater
- die Jacke jacket
- der Mantel coat
- die Socken socks
- der Schuh shoe
- die Mütze cap/hat
- der Schal scarf
- der Handschuh glove
- der Rock skirt
- die Bluse blouse
- der Anzug suit
- die Krawatte tie
- das T-Shirt T-shirt
- die Jeans jeans
- der Gürtel belt
- die Unterwäsche underwear
- der Bikini bikini
- die Badehose swimming trunks
- die Badeanzug swimsuit
- die Sandale sandal
- der Stiefel boot
- das Hemd shirt
- das Top top
- Mantel Coat
- Handschuhe Gloves
- Schal Scarf
- Mütze Cap/Beanie
- Regenmantel Raincoat
- Regenschirm Umbrella
- Schlafanzug Pyjamas/Pajamas
- Badeanzug Swimsuit
- Badehose Swimming trunks
- Bikini Bikini
- Schlafanzug Pyjamas/Pajamas
- Stiefel Boots
- Sneakers Sneakers
- Sandalen Sandals
- Absatzschuhe High heels
- Turnschuhe Trainers/Sneakers
- Badelatschen Flip-flops
Learning Clothing Vocabulary in German
Understanding how to talk about clothes in German is useful for many situations, from shopping to giving compliments. This guide will help you learn the basic German terms for clothing and provide you with some helpful phrases.
Basic Clothing Vocabulary
General Term for Clothes
The German word for clothes is "Kleidung." Unlike English, which uses "clothes" in the plural form, "Kleidung" is singular in German.
English Term |
German Term |
Pronunciation |
Clothes |
Kleidung |
[Kly-doong] |
Slang Terms for Clothes
In casual conversations, you might hear "Klamotten" or "Anziehsachen."
English Term |
German Term |
Pronunciation |
Clothes (slang) |
Klamotten |
[Kla-moh-ten] |
Clothes (slang) |
Anziehsachen |
[Ahn-tsee-zah-chen] |
Common Clothing Items
English Term |
German Term |
Pronunciation |
Hat |
Der Hut |
[Der Hoot] |
Shirt |
Das Hemd |
[Das Hemt] |
Coat |
Der Mantel |
[Der Man-tel] |
Dress |
Das Kleid |
[Das Kly-d] |
Pants |
Die Hose |
[Dee Ho-zuh] |
Shoes |
Die Schuhe |
[Dee Shoo-uh] |
Boots |
Die Stiefel |
[Dee Shtee-fel] |
Useful Phrases for Clothing
Shopping for Clothes
Knowing these phrases will help you navigate shopping in a German-speaking country.
English Phrase |
German Phrase |
Pronunciation |
What should I wear? |
Was soll ich anziehen? |
[Vas zoll ich ahn-tsee-en?] |
What’s the dress code? |
Wie ist der Dresscode? |
[Vee ist der Dress-code?] |
How do I look? |
Wie seh ich aus? |
[Vee zay ich ows?] |
Just wear something comfortable. |
Zieh einfach etwas Bequemes an. |
[Tsee ahn-fahch et-vass be-kvay-mes ahn.] |
I’d rather wear something fancy if I were you. |
Ich würde an deiner Stelle lieber etwas Schickes anziehen. |
[Ich vuhr-de ahn dy-ner shtel-uh lee-ber et-vass shick-es ahn-tsee-en.] |
You look great! |
Du siehst toll aus! |
[Doo zeest toll ows!] |
Describing People by Their Clothes
When you don't know someone's name, describing their clothes can be helpful.
English Phrase |
German Phrase |
Pronunciation |
The lady in the brown coat |
Die Frau im braunen Mantel |
[Dee Frow im brow-nen Man-tel] |
The guy in the yellow shirt |
Der Mann im gelben Hemd |
[Der Mann im gel-ben Hemt] |
Complimenting Someone Clothes
Complimenting someone on their clothes is a nice way to start a conversation.
English Phrase |
German Phrase |
Pronunciation |
Nice dress! |
Schönes Kleid! |
[Shur-nes Kly-d!] |
I love your shoes! |
Ich liebe deine Schuhe! |
[Ich lee-buh dy-nuh Shoo-uh!] |
German Clothes Vocabulary
Learning the names of clothing items in German is essential for shopping, describing outfits, and giving compliments. This guide covers basic German clothing vocabulary, patterns, and useful verbs related to clothes.
Basic Clothing Vocabulary
General Clothing Items
English Term |
German Term |
Pronunciation |
Jacket |
die Jacke (n) |
[dee Yah-kuh] |
Dress |
das Kleid (er) |
[dahs Klyd] |
Blouse |
die Bluse (n) |
[dee Bloo-zuh] |
Shirt |
das Hemd (en) |
[dahs Hemt] |
T-shirt |
das T-Shirt (s) |
[dahs Tee-shurt] |
Skirt |
der Rock (ö, e) |
[der Rok] |
Sweater |
der Pullover (-) |
[der Pul-oh-ver] |
Pullover |
der Pulli (s) |
[der Pul-ee] |
Tie |
die Krawatte (n) |
[dee Krah-vat-uh] |
Sock |
die Socke (n) |
[dee Zok-uh] |
Shoe |
der Schuh (e) |
[der Shoo] |
Boot |
der Stiefel (-) |
[der Shtee-fel] |
Sandal |
die Sandale (n) |
[dee Zand-ah-luh] |
Purse |
die Handtasche (n) |
[dee Hant-tah-shuh] |
Belt |
der Gürtel (-) |
[der Goor-tel] |
Scarf |
der Schal (s) |
[der Shahl] |
Swimsuit |
der Badeanzug (ü, e) |
[der Bah-duh-ahn-tsoog] |
Hat |
der Hut (ü, e) |
[der Hoot] |
Accessories
English Term |
German Term |
Pronunciation |
Ring |
der Ring (e) |
[der Ring] |
Necklace |
die Halskette (n) |
[dee Hahls-ket-uh] |
Bracelet |
das Armband (ä, er) |
[dahs Ahm-bahnd] |
Earring |
der Ohrring (e) |
[der Ohr-ring] |
Glove |
der Handschuh (e) |
[der Hahnd-shoo] |
Watch |
die Armbanduhr (en) |
[dee Ahm-ban-doohr] |
Glasses |
die Brille |
[dee Bril-uh] |
Specific Clothing Items
English Term |
German Term |
Pronunciation |
Man's suit |
der Anzug (ü, e) |
[der Ahn-tsoog] |
Woman's suit |
das Kostüm (e) |
[dahs Kos-tewm] |
Sports jacket |
das Sakko (s) |
[dahs Zah-ko] |
Bag, pocket |
die Tasche (n) |
[dee Tah-shuh] |
Underwear |
die Unterwäsche |
[dee Oon-ter-vesh-uh] |
Pants |
die Hose (n) |
[dee Ho-zuh] |
Raincoat |
der Regenmantel (ä) |
[der Ray-gen-mahn-tel] |
Coat |
der Mantel (ä) |
[der Mahn-tel] |
Patterns
English Term |
German Term |
Plaid |
kariert |
Polka-dotted |
gepunktet |
Striped |
gestreift |
Flowered |
geblümt |
Patterned |
gemustert |
Useful Verbs with Dative Objects
English Verb |
German Verb |
Example Phrase |
Translation |
To like |
gefallen |
Gefällt dir dieses Hemd? |
Do you like this shirt? |
To fit |
passen |
Größe 48 paßt ihr bestimmt. |
Size 48 fits her well. |
To look (good/bad) |
stehen |
Die Farbe steht mir nicht. |
The color doesn't look good on me. |
German Clothing Vocabulary for Beginners
When learning a new language, knowing basic clothing vocabulary is essential. Whether you're shopping in Berlin or discussing outfits with friends, this guide will help you get started with German clothing terms.
Why Learn German Clothing Vocabulary?
Understanding clothing vocabulary in German can be useful in many situations:
- Shopping: You'll need to know the names of clothing items when buying clothes.
- Describing Outfits: It helps in describing what you or others are wearing.
- Complimenting: Giving compliments on someone's attire can be a great conversation starter.
Essential German Clothing Terms
English Term |
German Term |
Jacket |
die Jacke (n) |
Dress |
das Kleid (er) |
Blouse |
die Bluse (n) |
Shirt |
das Hemd (en) |
T-shirt |
das T-Shirt (s) |
Skirt |
der Rock (ö, e) |
Sweater |
der Pullover (-) |
Pullover |
der Pulli (s) |
Tie |
die Krawatte (n) |
Sock |
die Socke (n) |
Shoe |
der Schuh (e) |
Boot |
der Stiefel (-) |
Sandal |
die Sandale (n) |
Purse |
die Handtasche (n) |
Belt |
der Gürtel (-) |
Scarf |
der Schal (s) |
Swimsuit |
der Badeanzug (ü, e) |
Hat |
der Hut (ü, e) |
Useful Verbs Related to Clothing
English Verb |
German Verb |
Example Phrase |
Translation |
To like |
gefallen |
Gefällt dir dieses Hemd? |
Do you like this shirt? |
To fit |
passen |
Größe 48 passt ihr bestimmt. |
Size 48 fits her well. |
To look (good/bad) |
stehen |
Die Farbe steht mir nicht. |
The color doesn't look good on me. |
Common Phrases
- Was soll ich anziehen? (What should I wear?)
- Wie ist der Dresscode? (What’s the dress code?)
- Wie seh ich aus? (How do I look?)
- Zieh einfach etwas Bequemes an. (Just wear something comfortable.)
- Du siehst toll aus! (You look great!)
German Underwear Vocabulary
Knowing the right terms for underwear in German can be handy, especially when shopping or in case of emergencies. Here’s a list to get you started.
Basic Underwear Terms
English Term |
German Term |
IPA |
Undershirt |
Unterhemd |
[ˈʊntɐˌhɛmt] |
Underpants |
Unterhose |
[ˈʊntɐˌhoːzə] |
Chemise |
Unterkleid |
[ˈʊntɐklaɪ̯t] |
Briefs |
Kurze Unterhosen |
[ˈkʊʁt͡sə ˈʊntɐˌhoːzən] |
Bra |
BH (Büstenhalter) |
[beːˈhaː] |
Camisole |
Mieder |
[ˈmiːdɐ] |
Corset |
Korsett |
[kɔʁˈzɛt] |
Boxers |
Boxershorts |
[ˈbɔksɐˌʃɔʁt͡s] |
Socks |
Socken |
[ˈzɔkn̩] |
Knee-length sock |
Kniestrümpfe |
[ˈkniːˌʃtʁʏmp͡fə] |
Panties (colloquial) |
Schlübbis |
[ʃlʏpbɪs] |
Thong |
Tanga |
[ˈtaŋɡa] |
Stockings |
Strümpfe |
[ˈʃtʁʏmp͡fə] |
Pantyhose |
Strumpfhose |
[ˈʃtʁʊmp͡fˌhoːzə] |
German Outerwear Vocabulary
Germany’s weather can be unpredictable, so knowing the right outerwear terms in German is crucial. Here’s a list to help you prepare for various weather conditions.
Basic Outerwear Terms
English Term |
German Term |
IPA |
Jacket |
die Jacke |
[diː ˈjakə] |
Coat |
der Mantel |
[deːɐ̯ ˈmantl̩] |
Raincoat |
der Regenmantel |
[deːɐ̯ ˈʁeːɡn̩ˌmantl̩] |
Sweater |
der Pullover |
[deːɐ̯ pʊˈloːvɐ] |
Pullover |
der Pulli |
[deːɐ̯ ˈpʊli] |
Scarf |
der Schal |
[deːɐ̯ ʃaːl] |
Hat |
der Hut |
[deːɐ̯ huːt] |
Gloves |
die Handschuhe |
[diː ˈhantʃuːə] |
Boots |
die Stiefel |
[diː ˈʃtiːfl̩] |
Sports jacket |
das Sakko |
[das ˈzako] |
Describing clothes in German
Discussing clothes and fashion is a frequent part of daily conversations, reflecting individual style, cultural trends, and social standing. Whether you’re shopping, dressing for an event, or talking about the latest fashion trends, knowing how to describe clothing in German can greatly improve your conversational skills. This guide will help you get familiar with essential fashion vocabulary in German.
Basic Clothing Vocabulary
English Term |
German Term |
IPA |
Jacket |
die Jacke |
[diː ˈjakə] |
Dress |
das Kleid |
[das klaɪ̯t] |
Blouse |
die Bluse |
[diː ˈbluːzə] |
Shirt |
das Hemd |
[das hɛmt] |
T-shirt |
das T-Shirt |
[das ˈtiːʃɪʁt] |
Skirt |
der Rock |
[deːɐ̯ ʁɔk] |
Sweater |
der Pullover |
[deːɐ̯ pʊˈloːvɐ] |
Pullover |
der Pulli |
[deːɐ̯ ˈpʊli] |
Tie |
die Krawatte |
[diː kʁaˈvatə] |
Sock |
die Socke |
[diː ˈzɔkə] |
Shoe |
der Schuh |
[deːɐ̯ ʃuː] |
Boot |
der Stiefel |
[deːɐ̯ ˈʃtiːfl̩] |
Sandal |
die Sandale |
[diː zanˈdaːlə] |
Purse |
die Handtasche |
[diː ˈhantˌtaʃə] |
Belt |
der Gürtel |
[deːɐ̯ ˈɡʏʁtl̩] |
Scarf |
der Schal |
[deːɐ̯ ʃaːl] |
Swimsuit |
der Badeanzug |
[deːɐ̯ ˈbaːdəˌʔant͡suːk] |
Hat |
der Hut |
[deːɐ̯ huːt] |
Describing Patterns
English Term |
German Term |
IPA |
Plaid |
kariert |
[kaˈʁiːɐ̯t] |
Polka-dotted |
gepunktet |
[ɡəˈpʊŋktət] |
Striped |
gestreift |
[ɡəˈʃtʁaɪ̯ft] |
Flowered |
geblümt |
[ɡəˈblyːmt] |
Patterned |
gemustert |
[ɡəˈmʊstɐt] |
Useful Phrases and Questions
English Phrase |
German Phrase |
IPA |
What should I wear? |
Was soll ich anziehen? |
[vas zɔl ɪç ˈʔant͡siːən] |
What’s the dress code? |
Wie ist der Dresscode? |
[viː ɪst deːɐ̯ ˈdʁɛskoːt] |
How do I look? |
Wie seh ich aus? |
[viː zeː ɪç aʊ̯s] |
Just wear something comfortable. |
Zieh einfach etwas Bequemes an. |
[tsiː ˈʔaɪ̯nfaχ ˈʔɛtvas bəˈkveːməs ʔan] |
I’d rather wear something fancy. |
Ich würde an deiner Stelle lieber etwas Schickes anziehen. |
[ɪç ˈvʏʁdə ʔan ˈdaɪ̯nɐ ˈʃtɛlə ˈliːbɐ ˈʔɛtvas ˈʃɪkəs ʔant͡siːən] |
You look great! |
Du siehst toll aus! |
[du ziːst tɔl aʊ̯s] |