Clothes in German: Essential vocabulary for daily use

• What’s the German word for clothing?
• Essential clothing vocabulary in German
• Key verbs for talking about clothing in German
• How to describe clothing in German
• Useful phrases for clothes shopping in German

What’s the German word for clothing?

There are several words to describe clothing in German. While they all technically mean the same thing, they’re used differently depending on the context. Additionally, there are regional variations on these words. 

‘Kleidung’ vs. ‘Kleider’ vs. ‘Klamotten’ – What’s the difference?

Kleidung, Kleider and Klamotten are all words that describe “clothes” or “clothing” in German. Wherever you’re staying, people will understand what you mean if you use any of the three. However, there are differences you should be aware of. 

Kleidung is the most common word for “clothing.” It’s safe to use in formal and casual settings. Although Kleidung generally describes a group or collection of items, this feminine noun is used in the singular form: Die Kleidung. 

Kleider is a rather old-fashioned word for “clothes” that’s rarely used in that sense today. Instead, it has evolved to specifically describe “dresses.” Die Kleider is the plural form of a neuter noun (das Kleid) and thus describes more than one dress. 

A more informal word for clothes is die Klamotten. It’s not exactly rude to use this word, but it typically refers to casual (and maybe a bit messy) clothes — so it’s best to avoid it in work settings or other formal occasions. If you do use it, note that it is always used in the plural form.

Variations of ‘clothing’ in German 

There are also some regional differences in how people describe clothing. For example, Gwand is a common word in Bavarian dialect and is used similarly to Kleidung. 

Language and slang also vary between different age groups. If you’re talking to older German speakers, for instance, they might still prefer to use the word Kleider instead of Kleidung. 

If you’re looking at online stores, Bekleidung is also typically used as a variation of Kleidung. However, in everyday conversations, Bekleidung wouldn’t sound natural. 

Understanding these differences is important if you want to sound like a native speaker. That’s why German courses at Lingoda are only taught by native-level teachers who are familiar with the culture and different German dialects. 

Learn German with Lingoda

How it works

Essential clothing vocabulary in German

Let’s get dressed! These are the most important words for clothing items in German, from jackets and coats to traditional German clothes like Lederhosen.  

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R6VEOVjOWsA

German	English
der Mantel	the coat
die Jacke	the jacket
der Blazer	the blazer
das Sakko	the jacket
die Weste	the waistcoat
das Hemd	the shirt
die Bluse	the blouse
das Kleid	the dress
der Pullover	the pullover
das T-shirt	the T-shirt
das Top	the top
die Unterwäsche	the underwear
die Unterhose	the briefs
der BH (Büstenhalter)	the bra
das Unterhemd	the chemise
die Strumpfhose	the tights
die Socken	the socks
die Schuhe	the shoes
die Stiefel	the boots
die Sneaker	the sneakers
die Turnschuhe	the trainers
die Sandalen	the sandals
der Hut	the hat
die Mütze	the cap
die Handschuhe	the gloves
die Tasche	the bag
die Sonnenbrille	the sunglasses
das Dirndl	the dirndl (a traditional German dress from the Alps region)
die Lederhose	the lederhosen (traditional leather breeches worn in the Alps region)

Key verbs for talking about clothing in German

If you want to talk about clothes in German, simply knowing the names of the items won’t cut it. There are many verbs associated with clothing, which can help you communicate whether you want to “wear” or “buy” or “shop” for something, and so on.

The verb ‘to wear’ in German

The verb “to wear” has two different German translations. You can use tragen when you’re talking about wearing a piece of clothing, or anhaben, which means “having something on.”

So, if you want to say, “I am wearing a dress,” you have two options in German:

• Ich trage ein Kleid. 
• Ich habe ein Kleid an. (Note: anhaben is a separable verb, so the prefix an- moves to the end of the sentence in this case.)

Watch out for the verb tragen, which can also mean “to carry” depending on the context.

Ich trage ein Kleid can therefore either mean that you’re wearing or carrying a dress. Although it’s most likely the former, it’s best to look out for other signals in the story to make sure. 

Shopping-related verbs 

Here are some basic German words that will help you navigate your next trip to the Flohmarkt or Bekleidungsgeschäft (clothing store). 

German	English
kaufen	to buy
aussuchen	to select
entscheiden	to choose
etwas anprobieren	to try something on
bezahlen	to pay
umtauschen	to exchange
etwas zurückgeben	to return something
etwas zurücklegen	to reserve something

How to describe clothing in German

How would you describe your style? This is hard enough in English! But here are some useful German adjectives and phrases for talking about your wardrobe and describing a person. 

Common adjectives for clothing

German	English
lässig	casual
formell	formal
trendy	trendy
elegant	elegant
langlebig	durable
bequem	comfortable
weit	loose
eng	tight
leicht	lightweight
schwer	heavy
weich	soft
rau	rough
atmungsaktiv	breathable
wasserdicht	waterproof
tailliert/anliegend	fitted
durchsichtig	sheer
gemustert	patterned
zeitlos	timeless
teuer	expensive
billig	cheap

Talking about your wardrobe 

German	English
Ich mag bequeme Kleidung.	I like casual clothes.
Mein Stil ist eher lässig.	My style tends to be more casual.
Mir gefallen helle Farben.	I like bright colours.
Ich bevorzuge dunkle Kleidung.	I prefer dark clothes.
Ich trage lieber Kleider als Hosen.	I prefer wearing dresses rather than trousers.

Giving compliments on outfits

Everyone loves a good compliment. But in Germany, doling out compliments may not be appropriate on every occasion. While telling your friend that you love their new dress will probably make them happy, the atmosphere in German workplaces can be more reserved. 

With that in mind, the following phrases will help you to compliment on great outfits.

German	English
Mir gefällt dein Hemd!	I like your shirt!
Dein Mantel hat eine tolle Farbe.	Your coat has a great color!
Diese Farbe steht dir sehr gut.	This color suits you very well.
Der Schnitt ist sehr schön.	The tailoring is very nice.
Du siehst toll aus!	You look great!
Dein Stil ist sehr elegant.	Your style is very elegant.
Ich mag deinen Stil.	I like your style.
Wo hast du das her?	Where did you get this?

Useful phrases for clothes shopping in German

As bodies come in different shapes and sizes, shopping for clothes hardly ever stops at trying something on and buying it instantly. Here’s some useful vocabulary that will make it easier for you to find the right fit. 

German	English
Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe?	Do you have this in a different size?
Ich suche nach einem blauen Kleid.	I’m looking for a blue dress.
Das passt gut.	This fits well.
Das ist zu eng.	This is too tight.
Das ist zu groß.	This is too big.
Das ist zu weit.	This is too wide.
Das ist zu klein.	This is too small.
Kann ich das anprobieren?	Can I try this on?
Wie viel kostet das?	How much does it cost?
Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?	Can I pay by card?
Kann ich bar bezahlen?	Can I pay with cash?
Kann ich das zurückgeben?	Can I return this?

Practical tips for learning clothing vocabulary in German

When it comes to learning clothing vocabulary in German, flashcards are your best friend. However, it doesn’t hurt to get more creative. Exercises that require you to get active make it easier to remember the small stuff. For instance, you might want to label your clothes at home or role-play shopping conversations in German with friends. It can also help to immerse yourself in shopping-related TV shows or magazines. 

At Lingoda, we know that learning a new language is easier when you use it regularly. That’s why our German courses have a strong focus on speaking. Our native-level teachers make sure that you’ll be able to develop the confidence you need in class to use your knowledge in the wild. Furthermore, Lingoda is perfect for everyone with a busy schedule, as classes are available 24/7. Learn German flexibly and make sure to reach your language goals more efficiently!

Learn German with Lingoda

How it works