Clothes (Leaving Cert German): Revision Notes

Clothes

Understanding clothing vocabulary is essential for everyday conversations in German. This topic covers everything you need to describe what you're wearing, shopping for clothes, and discussing fashion preferences.

Basic clothing items

The foundation of clothing vocabulary includes everyday garments that form the basis of any wardrobe. Most clothing items in German are feminine nouns, which means they use die as their definite article.

German	English
die Kleidung	clothes
das Hemd	shirt
die Bluse	blouse
das T-Shirt	t-shirt
der Pullover	jumper/sweater
die Hose	trousers
die Jeans	jeans
der Rock	skirt
das Kleid	dress
die Shorts	shorts

When describing what you or others are wearing, use the verb tragen (to wear). Here are some practical examples:

• Ich trage gern bequeme Kleidung. (I like wearing comfortable clothes.)
• Er trägt ein blaues Hemd. (He is wearing a blue shirt.)
• Im Sommer trage ich oft Shorts. (In summer I often wear shorts.)
• Sie hat ein schönes Kleid an. (She is wearing a beautiful dress.)

Outerwear and weather clothing

Outerwear vocabulary becomes particularly important when discussing weather-appropriate clothing or seasonal changes. German winters require proper clothing vocabulary!

German	English
die Jacke	jacket
der Mantel	coat
der Regenmantel	raincoat
die Windjacke	windbreaker
der Anorak	anorak
die Weste	waistcoat/vest
der Blazer	blazer
die Kapuze	hood
der Schal	scarf
die Handschuhe	gloves

Example sentences using outerwear vocabulary:

• Ich habe eine warme Jacke für den Winter. (I have a warm jacket for winter.)
• Mein Mantel ist schwarz. (My coat is black.)
• Trägst du Handschuhe? (Are you wearing gloves?)
• Der Schal ist aus Wolle. (The scarf is made of wool.)

Footwear essentials

Footwear vocabulary covers everything from casual trainers to formal shoes. Note that die Schuhe (shoes) is always plural in German, just like in English.

German	English
die Schuhe	shoes
die Stiefel	boots
die Turnschuhe	trainers
die Sandalen	sandals
die Hausschuhe	slippers
die Absatzschuhe	high heels
die Flip-Flops	flip-flops
die Wanderschuhe	hiking boots
die Gummistiefel	wellies
die Schnürsenkel	shoelaces

Practical examples with footwear vocabulary:

• Ich trage Turnschuhe zum Sport. (I wear trainers for sport.)
• Die Sandalen sind bequem. (The sandals are comfortable.)
• Meine Stiefel sind neu. (My boots are new.)
• Binde deine Schnürsenkel. (Tie your shoelaces.)

Accessories and finishing touches

Accessories complete an outfit and are important for describing personal style. Many accessories are masculine nouns in German.

German	English
der Gürtel	belt
die Mütze	cap/beanie
der Hut	hat
die Sonnenbrille	sunglasses
die Tasche	bag
der Rucksack	backpack
das Armband	bracelet
die Halskette	necklace
die Ohrringe	earrings
die Uhr	watch

Example sentences with accessories:

• Ich trage eine Sonnenbrille im Sommer. (I wear sunglasses in summer.)
• Er hat einen neuen Rucksack. (He has a new backpack.)
• Die Halskette ist ein Geschenk. (The necklace is a gift.)
• Meine Uhr ist kaputt. (My watch is broken.)

Describing clothes and fit

When shopping or describing clothes, you need verbs and adjectives to express fit, style, and comfort. These terms are crucial for practical conversations.

German	English
tragen	to wear
anziehen	to put on
ausziehen	to take off
passen	to fit
stehen	to suit
bequem	comfortable
modisch	fashionable
eng	tight
weit	loose
gestreift	striped

Useful phrases for describing clothes:

• Der Mantel passt mir gut. (The coat fits me well.)
• Diese Farbe steht dir. (This colour suits you.)
• Die Hose ist zu eng. (The trousers are too tight.)
• Das Hemd ist gestreift. (The shirt is striped.)

Example dialogue: shopping for clothes

Common mistakes and tips

Remember!