Are you visiting or moving to a German speaking country? Well, at some point you’re going to need to go shopping for clothes and it will be really useful to learn names for clothes in German to get the exact thing you’re looking to buy!
Knowing how to say and ask specifically for what you need while new clothes shopping will make the experience far more efficient. Shopping isn’t for everyone, so knowing even just a few clothing items in the German language will make it easier to find what you’re looking for more quickly.
So let’s take a look at how to talk about clothes in German like a native speaker. We’ll include clothing vocabulary, translations, and sentences to help you shop in German too.
Let’s go!
Traditional German Clothing
First, let’s take a trip back in time. What kinds of clothes did Germans wear in the past? The overall term for traditional clothing is a tracht.
Historically, the style, color, and cloth combinations of a tracht could be used to identify different groups of people, social status, and even indicate whether a person was single or married.
A tracht would be styled differently for men and women, with men wearing Lederhosen and women the dirndl. Let’s learn what those are below.
Traditional Clothing For German Women And Girls
The dirndl is a ruffled apron dress worn by German women that consists of a bodice, or blouse, and a skirt. Once the standard uniform of servant girls, today it is worn in Bavaria and Austria during celebrations.
Today, the dirndl has made a fashionable comeback with modern patterns and materials making it fun to wear. You can see women dressing up in them for weddings, birthdays, and even just going out on the weekend.
For very fancy occasions, the traditional outfit is also worn with a hat that is rather expensive, so is rarely utilized.
Traditional Clothing for German Men And Boys
Men you’ll see are outfitted in Lederhosen, which translates to “leather trousers.” Essentially they’re short leather pants that are worn by men. Most commonly, Lederhosen are worn with suspenders and front flaps.
As for the top, this was typically a shirt or sweater made of coarse linen or wool. Men would wear wool stockings and country shoes to complete the look.
Names For Clothes In German
These are the most common types of clothing that exist today. We’ve separated the clothing into seasons and other categories so you can more easily learn German clothes names to find what you’re looking for while shopping. Also, check out how to say colors in German to ask for the exact color of clothing.
Summer Clothing In German
These are the basic summer clothing items you may shop for.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| The dress | Das Kleid | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Kleid[/Speechword] |
| Shorts | Kurze Hose | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Kurze Hose[/Speechword] |
| The skirt | Der Rock | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Rock[/Speechword] |
| The swimsuit | Der Badeanzug | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Badeanzug[/Speechword] |
| The tanktop | Das Tanktop | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Tanktop[/Speechword] |
| The t-shirt | Das T-Shirt | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das T-Shirt[/Speechword] |
Fall Clothing In German
As it gets into cooler weather, you may find yourself needing some or all of these.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| The blazer | Der Blazer | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Blazer[/Speechword] |
| The coat | Der Mantel | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Mantel[/Speechword] |
| The hoodie | Der Hoodie | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Hoodie[/Speechword] |
| The jacket | Die Jacke | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Jacke[/Speechword] |
| The polo shirt | Das Poloshirt | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Poloshirt[/Speechword] |
Winter Clothing In German
Brrr! It’s time to get all bundled up.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| The button-down shirt | Das Button-Down-Hemd | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Button-Down-Hemd[/Speechword] |
| Gloves | Handschuhe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Handschuhe[/Speechword] |
| The winter hat | Die Wintermütze | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Wintermütze[/Speechword] |
| The long sleeve shirt | Das Langarmshirt | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Langarmshirt[/Speechword] |
| Pants | Hose | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Hose[/Speechword] |
| The scarf | Der Schal | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Schal[/Speechword] |
| The sweater | Der Pullover | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Pullover[/Speechword] |
| The sweatshirt | Das Sweatshirt | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Sweatshirt[/Speechword] |
| Trousers | Hose | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Hose[/Speechword] |
| The vest | Die Weste | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Lacience[/Speechword] |
Spring Clothing In German
While you could easily just reuse your fall clothes, you may prefer to mix it up a bit with these items.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| Cargo pants | Cargohose | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Cargohose[/Speechword] |
| The dress shirt | Das Anzughemd | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das Anzughemd[/Speechword] |
| Jeans | Jeans | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Jeans[/Speechword] |
| Leggings | Gamaschen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Gamaschen[/Speechword] |
| The raincoat | Der Regenmantel | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Regenmantel[/Speechword] |
| Shirts | Hemden | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Hemden[/Speechword] |
Business Wear In German
Do you have a professional job, or are you going for an interview? Getting some business wear may be on the cards.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| The blouse | Die Bluse | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Bluse[/Speechword] |
| The buttoned shirt | Das geknöpfte Hemd | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Das geknöpfte Hemd[/Speechword] |
| Pantyhose | Strumpfhose | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Strumpfhose[/Speechword] |
| The tie | Die Krawatte | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Krawatte[/Speechword] |
| Socks | Socken | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Socken[/Speechword] |
| The suit | Der Anzug | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Anzug[/Speechword] |
Under Garments And Pyjamas
Everyone needs these! Here’s how to talk about your undergarments in German.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| The bra | Der BH | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der BH[/Speechword] |
| Lingerie | Unterwäsche | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Unterwäsche[/Speechword] |
| Pajamas | Pyjama | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Pyjama[/Speechword] |
| The thong | Die Sache | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Sache[/Speechword] |
| Underwear | Unterwäsche | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Unterwäsche[/Speechword] |
*BH means breast holder!
Shoes In German
No outfit is complete without shoes! Here are the usual types of shoes you may end up needing to buy.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| Boots | Stiefel | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Stiefel[/Speechword] |
| Flip flops | Flip Flops | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Flip Flops[/Speechword] |
| Heels | Fersen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Fersen[/Speechword] |
| Hiking boots | Wanderstiefel | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Wanderstiefel[/Speechword] |
| Slippers | Hausschuhe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Hausschuhe[/Speechword] |
| Sneakers | Turnschuhe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Turnschuhe[/Speechword] |
| Trainers | Sportschuhe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Sportschuhe[/Speechword] |
Accessories In German
Accessories can really help to complete your look. Here are the most common types of accessories in German.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| The bag | Die Tasche | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Tasche[/Speechword] |
| Cuff links | Manschettenknöpfe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Manschettenknöpfe[/Speechword] |
| Earrings | Ohrringe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Ohrringe[/Speechword] |
| The hat | Der Hut | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Hut[/Speechword] |
| The necklace | Die Halskette | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Halskette[/Speechword] |
| The purse | Der Geldbeutel | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Geldbeutel[/Speechword] |
| The scarf | Der Schal | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Schal[/Speechword] |
| Sunglasses | Sonnenbrille | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Sonnenbrille[/Speechword] |
| The wallet | Der Geldbeutel | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Der Geldbeutel[/Speechword] |
| The watch | Die Uhr | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Die Uhr[/Speechword] |
Different Fabrics In German
Maybe you’re interested in tailoring your own clothes or are particular about the type of material your clothes are made from. Here are fabrics in German so you can check the label or purchase them at a local fabric shop.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| Canvas | Leinwand | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Leinwand[/Speechword] |
| Cloth | Tuch | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Tuch[/Speechword] |
| Corduroy | Cord | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Cord[/Speechword] |
| Cotton | Baumwolle | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Baumwolle[/Speechword] |
| Denim | Denim | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Denim[/Speechword] |
| Lace | Spitze | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Spitze[/Speechword] |
| Leather | Leder | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Leder[/Speechword] |
| Linen | Leinen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Leinen[/Speechword] |
| Polyester | Polyester | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Polyester[/Speechword] |
| Rayon | Rayon | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Rayon[/Speechword] |
| Rubber | Gummi | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Gummi[/Speechword] |
| Satin | Satin | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Satin[/Speechword] |
| Silk | Seide | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Seide[/Speechword] |
| Spandex | Elasthan | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Elasthan[/Speechword] |
| Velvet | Samt | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Samt[/Speechword] |
| Wool | Wolle | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Wolle[/Speechword] |
Additional Terms Related To Clothes In German
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| Clothing | Kleidung | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Kleidung[/Speechword] |
| Men’s clothing | Männerkleidung | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Männerkleidung[/Speechword] |
| Size small | Kleine Größe | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Kleine Größe[/Speechword] |
| Size medium | Konfektionsgröße M | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Konfektionsgröße M[/Speechword] |
| Size large | Größe groß | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Größe groß[/Speechword] |
| Women’s clothing | Frauenkleidung | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Frauenkleidung[/Speechword] |
Clothing Verbs In German
Now it’s time to learn how to describe what you’re doing with your clothes. Grab your laundry basket and soap! Study these verbs.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| to change | sich umziehen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]sich umziehen [/Speechword] |
| to dislike | nicht mögen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]nicht mögen [/Speechword] |
| to dry | trocknen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]trocknen [/Speechword] |
| to fold | falten | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]falten [/Speechword] |
| to give | geben | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]geben [/Speechword] |
| to hang | hängen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]hängen [/Speechword] |
| to like | mögen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]mögen [/Speechword] |
| to mend | reparieren | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]reparieren [/Speechword] |
| to purchase | kaufen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]kaufen[/Speechword] |
| to put away | wegstellen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]wegstellen [/Speechword] |
| to put on | anziehen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]anziehen[/Speechword] |
| to return | zurückgeben | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]zurückgeben [/Speechword] |
| to shop | einkaufen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]einkaufen [/Speechword] |
| to take off | ausziehen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]ausziehen [/Speechword] |
| to want | wollen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]wollen[/Speechword] |
| to wash | waschen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]waschen[/Speechword] |
| to wear | tragen | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]tragen [/Speechword] |
Phrases To Use When Shopping in German
Here are some basic phrases to help you when shopping. Find the right size, ask for the items you’re looking for and find the changing room.
| English | German Translation | Pronunciation |
| Can I try this on? | Kann ich das anprobieren? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Kann ich das anprobieren?[/Speechword] |
| Do you have any winter coats? | Hast du Wintermäntel? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Hast du Wintermäntel?[/Speechword] |
| Do you have this in a larger size? | Haben Sie das in einer größeren Größe? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Haben Sie das in einer größeren Größe?[/Speechword] |
| Do you have this in a smaller size? | Haben Sie das in einer kleineren Größe? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Haben Sie das in einer kleineren Größe?[/Speechword] |
| Do you have tighter trousers? | Hast du engere Hosen? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Hast du engere Hosen?[/Speechword] |
| Where can I find gloves? | Wo finde ich Handschuhe? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Wo finde ich Handschuhe?[/Speechword] |
| Where is the changing room? | Wo sind wir in der Umkleidekabine? | [Speechword voice=”Deutsch Male” isinline]Wo sind wir in der Umkleidekabine?[/Speechword] |
There you go! We hope this vocabulary has helped you learn German clothing vocabulary!
Study More German With The Ling App!
If you enjoyed this lesson about names for clothes in German we can teach you how to express how beautiful clothes are. Ling can also teach you how to thank the people in the store for helping you.
Also, be sure to check out our language app Ling. It’s been specifically designed to make learning German as easy as possible. We offer audio recordings from native speakers, fun quizzes, a progress tracker, writing exercises, and AI tools that assess your pronunciation!
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