das Hemd
Plural: die Hemden
Shirt / dress shirt
Ich trage ein weißes Hemd. I am wearing a white shirt.
German Learning · A1 Vocabulary
Learn essential German words for clothes, shoes, accessories and personal style. Explore English translations, noun articles, useful expressions and practical example sentences for everyday conversations and shopping in German.
Your learning guide · A1 German
Learn German clothing and fashion vocabulary step by step. This A1 lesson covers everyday garments, shoes, accessories, colours, patterns, sizes and materials, followed by useful expressions for shopping and asking for clothes in German.
01 / Vocabulary Collection
Start with the German words you will encounter when getting dressed, describing what you wear, or shopping for clothes. Each entry includes its article, plural form, English meaning and a simple A1 example sentence.
Plural: die Hemden
Shirt / dress shirt
Ich trage ein weißes Hemd. I am wearing a white shirt.
Plural: die Pullover
Sweater / jumper
Der Pullover ist warm. The sweater is warm.
Plural: die Jacken
Jacket
Meine Jacke ist schwarz. My jacket is black.
Plural: die Hosen
Trousers / pants
Die Hose ist neu. The trousers are new.
Plural: die Kleider
Dress
Das Kleid ist schön. The dress is beautiful.
Plural: die T-Shirts
T-shirt
Ich brauche ein T-Shirt. I need a T-shirt.
Plural: die Röcke
Skirt
Der Rock ist lang. The skirt is long.
Plural: die Mäntel
Coat / overcoat
Im Winter trage ich einen Mantel. I wear a coat in winter.
Plural: die Schuhe
Shoe
Der Schuh ist bequem. The shoe is comfortable.
Plural: die Socken
Sock
Meine Socken sind weiß. My socks are white.
Plural: die Schals
Scarf
Ich trage einen Schal. I am wearing a scarf.
Plural: die Mützen
Beanie / knitted hat
Die Mütze ist warm. The beanie is warm.
Plural: die Hüte
Hat
Der Hut ist elegant. The hat is elegant.
Plural: die Gürtel
Belt
Der Gürtel ist braun. The belt is brown.
Plural: die Taschen
Bag / handbag
Meine Tasche ist groß. My bag is big.
Plural: die Brillen
Glasses / spectacles
Wo ist meine Brille? Where are my glasses?
Put your vocabulary into practice
Heute trage ich ein weißes Hemd, eine schwarze Hose und bequeme Schuhe.
Today I am wearing a white shirt, black trousers and comfortable shoes. Notice how the words describing the clothes change their endings in this sentence.
02 / Vocabulary by Category
Explore German clothing vocabulary by category, from everyday tops and trousers to winter coats, formal wear and shoes. Each word includes its German article, plural form, English meaning and an example sentence suitable for A1 learners.
Clothing worn on the upper body.
das T-Shirt
Plural: die T-Shirts
T-shirt
Das T-Shirt ist bequem.The T-shirt is comfortable.
das Hemd
Plural: die Hemden
Shirt / dress shirt
Er trägt ein blaues Hemd.He is wearing a blue shirt.
die Bluse
Plural: die Blusen
Blouse
Die Bluse ist elegant.The blouse is elegant.
der Pullover
Plural: die Pullover
Sweater / jumper
Mein Pullover ist warm.My sweater is warm.
das Sweatshirt
Plural: die Sweatshirts
Sweatshirt
Das Sweatshirt ist grau.The sweatshirt is grey.
das Top
Plural: die Tops
Top
Das Top ist sehr leicht.The top is very lightweight.
Useful words for everyday and casual outfits.
die Hose
Plural: die Hosen
Trousers / pants
Die Hose ist zu lang.The trousers are too long.
die Jeans
Plural: die Jeans
Jeans
Ich trage gern Jeans.I like wearing jeans.
der Rock
Plural: die Röcke
Skirt
Der Rock ist schwarz.The skirt is black.
die Shorts
Plural: die Shorts
Shorts
Im Sommer trage ich Shorts.I wear shorts in summer.
die Leggings
Plural: die Leggings
Leggings
Die Leggings ist bequem.The leggings are comfortable.
Clothes for cold, rainy and changing weather.
die Jacke
Plural: die Jacken
Jacket
Nimm bitte deine Jacke mit.Please take your jacket with you.
der Mantel
Plural: die Mäntel
Coat / overcoat
Der Mantel ist teuer.The coat is expensive.
die Regenjacke
Plural: die Regenjacken
Rain jacket
Meine Regenjacke ist wasserdicht.My rain jacket is waterproof.
die Winterjacke
Plural: die Winterjacken
Winter jacket
Im Winter brauche ich eine Winterjacke.I need a winter jacket in winter.
der Blazer
Plural: die Blazer
Blazer
Er trägt einen grauen Blazer.He is wearing a grey blazer.
Words for parties, celebrations and smarter outfits.
das Kleid
Plural: die Kleider
Dress
Das Kleid ist schön.The dress is beautiful.
der Anzug
Plural: die Anzüge
Suit
Er trägt einen schwarzen Anzug.He is wearing a black suit.
die Krawatte
Plural: die Krawatten
Tie
Die Krawatte ist rot.The tie is red.
das Sakko
Plural: die Sakkos
Suit jacket / blazer
Das Sakko passt gut.The suit jacket fits well.
Everyday essentials and clothes worn at home.
die Unterwäsche
Usually singular
Underwear
Ich kaufe neue Unterwäsche.I am buying new underwear.
der BH
Plural: die BHs
Bra
Der BH ist bequem.The bra is comfortable.
der Slip
Plural: die Slips
Briefs / underwear
Der Slip ist aus Baumwolle.The briefs are made of cotton.
der Schlafanzug
Plural: die Schlafanzüge
Pyjamas / pajamas
Mein Schlafanzug ist blau.My pyjamas are blue.
die Socke
Plural: die Socken
Sock
Ich brauche ein Paar Socken.I need a pair of socks.
Learn to name different types of shoes in German.
der Schuh
Plural: die Schuhe
Shoe
Die Schuhe sind bequem.The shoes are comfortable.
der Stiefel
Plural: die Stiefel
Boot
Die Stiefel sind schwarz.The boots are black.
der Turnschuh
Plural: die Turnschuhe
Trainer / athletic shoe
Ich brauche neue Turnschuhe.I need new trainers.
die Sandale
Plural: die Sandalen
Sandal
Im Sommer trage ich Sandalen.I wear sandals in summer.
der Hausschuh
Plural: die Hausschuhe
Slipper / house shoe
Meine Hausschuhe stehen hier.My slippers are here.
Useful words for exercise, training and outdoor activities.
die Sportkleidung
Usually singular
Sportswear
Meine Sportkleidung ist in der Tasche.My sportswear is in the bag.
die Trainingshose
Plural: die Trainingshosen
Track pants / training trousers
Die Trainingshose ist bequem.The track pants are comfortable.
das Trikot
Plural: die Trikots
Sports jersey
Das Trikot ist rot.The jersey is red.
03 / Colours & Descriptions
Learn how to describe clothing in German by colour, shade and pattern. These useful words help you talk about your favourite outfits, compare clothes in a shop and describe what you or another person is wearing.
Meaning: light
hellblau — light blue
hellgrau — light grey
Die Jacke ist hellblau.
The jacket is light blue.
Meaning: dark
dunkelblau — dark blue
dunkelgrün — dark green
Ich mag dunkelblaue Jeans.
I like dark blue jeans.
Meaning: colourful
Used for clothing with several colours.
Das T-Shirt ist bunt.
The T-shirt is colourful.
Useful opposites:
hell — light
dunkel — dark
Ich trage lieber dunkle Farben.
I prefer wearing dark colours.
Meaning: beautiful / nice
Das Kleid ist sehr schön.
The dress is very beautiful.
Meaning: modern / fashionable
Die Schuhe sind modern.
The shoes are fashionable.
gestreift
Striped
Ich trage ein gestreiftes Hemd. I am wearing a striped shirt.
gepunktet
Polka-dotted
Sie trägt einen gepunkteten Rock. She is wearing a polka-dot skirt.
kariert
Checked / plaid
Das Hemd ist kariert. The shirt is checked.
geblümt
Floral
Die Bluse ist geblümt. The blouse has a floral pattern.
einfarbig
Plain / single-coloured
Ich suche ein einfarbiges T-Shirt. I am looking for a plain T-shirt.
gemustert
Patterned
Der Schal ist gemustert. The scarf is patterned.
A1 Grammar Focus
After sein (to be), the colour normally stays in its basic form: Das Kleid ist rot. When a colour comes directly before a noun, its ending can change.
English: a red dress, a red jacket, a red coat. These endings depend on the noun's gender and the article. For A1, learn each phrase as a useful expression and practise it with familiar clothing nouns.
Welche Farbe hat deine Jacke?
What colour is your jacket?Meine Jacke ist dunkelblau.
My jacket is dark blue.Ich suche ein schwarzes T-Shirt.
I am looking for a black T-shirt.Gefällt dir dieses rote Kleid?
Do you like this red dress?Ich mag einfache, einfarbige Kleidung.
I like simple, plain-coloured clothes.Das Hemd ist schön, aber sehr teuer.
The shirt is nice, but very expensive.04 / Sizes, Fabrics & Fit
Learn how to ask for a size, describe the fit of a garment and identify common fabrics in German. These practical words and phrases will help you communicate confidently when buying clothes or trying them on.
Extra small
Small
Medium
Large
Extra large
Double extra large
Clothing size; numeric sizes vary by garment and sizing system.
Size
Big / large
Die Jacke ist zu groß.
The jacket is too big.
Small
Das T-Shirt ist zu klein.
The T-shirt is too small.
Tight
Die Hose ist zu eng.
The trousers are too tight.
Loose / wide
Die Hose ist sehr weit.
The trousers are very loose.
Long
Der Mantel ist zu lang.
The coat is too long.
Short
Der Rock ist kurz.
The skirt is short.
Comfortable
Die Schuhe sind bequem.
The shoes are comfortable.
To fit
Die Jacke passt gut.
The jacket fits well.
Cotton
Das T-Shirt ist aus Baumwolle.
The T-shirt is made of cotton.
Wool
Der Pullover ist aus Wolle.
The sweater is made of wool.
Silk
Die Bluse ist aus Seide.
The blouse is made of silk.
Leather
Die Tasche ist aus Leder.
The bag is made of leather.
Linen
Das Hemd ist aus Leinen.
The shirt is made of linen.
Polyester
Die Jacke ist aus Polyester.
The jacket is made of polyester.
Fabric / material
Der Stoff ist weich.
The fabric is soft.
Soft
Der Schal ist sehr weich.
The scarf is very soft.
Thick / thin
Der Mantel ist dick.
The coat is thick.
Everyday German · Shopping Expressions
Entschuldigung, haben Sie diese Jacke in Größe M? Excuse me, do you have this jacket in size M?
Ja, natürlich. Hier bitte. Yes, of course. Here you are.
Danke. Wo ist die Umkleidekabine? Thank you. Where is the fitting room?
Dort rechts. Over there on the right.
Die Jacke passt gut. Ich nehme sie. The jacket fits well. I'll take it.
05 / Everyday Shopping German
Learn the German phrases you need in a clothing shop, from asking how much something costs to trying on a jacket and paying at the checkout. Each expression includes an English translation and a practical example for A1 learners.
Entschuldigung, können Sie mir helfen?
Excuse me, can you help me?
Useful for: Asking a shop assistant for assistance.
Wo finde ich die Jacken?
Where can I find the jackets?
Pattern: Wo finde ich ...? — Where can I find ...?
Haben Sie dieses T-Shirt?
Do you have this T-shirt?
Alternative: Haben Sie diese Hose? — Do you have these trousers?
Ich suche eine schwarze Jacke.
I'm looking for a black jacket.
Pattern: Ich suche ... — I'm looking for ...
Wie viel kostet das?
How much does that cost?
Example: Wie viel kostet diese Tasche? — How much does this bag cost?
Wie viel kosten diese Schuhe?
How much do these shoes cost?
Remember: kostet for singular; kosten for plural.
Gibt es einen Rabatt?
Is there a discount?
Useful word: der Rabatt — discount.
Das ist mir zu teuer.
That's too expensive for me.
Alternative: Haben Sie etwas Günstigeres? — Do you have something cheaper?
Haben Sie das in Größe M?
Do you have this in size M?
Replace M with: S, L, XL or another size.
Gibt es das auch in Blau?
Is this also available in blue?
Try: in Schwarz, in Weiß, in Rot — in black, white, red.
Wo ist die Umkleidekabine?
Where is the fitting room?
Vocabulary: die Umkleidekabine — fitting room.
Kann ich das anprobieren?
Can I try this on?
Verb: anprobieren — to try on clothing.
Das passt mir gut.
That fits me well.
Opposite: Das passt mir nicht. — That doesn't fit me.
Haben Sie eine größere Größe?
Do you have a larger size?
Alternative: Haben Sie eine kleinere Größe? — Do you have a smaller size?
Ich nehme das.
I'll take it.
Use when: You've decided to buy an item.
Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?
Can I pay by card?
Alternative: Kann ich bar bezahlen? — Can I pay in cash?
Kann ich bitte den Kassenbon haben?
Could I have the receipt, please?
Vocabulary: der Kassenbon — receipt.
Vielen Dank. Auf Wiedersehen!
Thank you very much. Goodbye!
Tip: Polite expressions make everyday conversations easier.
| German phrase | English translation |
|---|---|
| Kann ich das umtauschen? | Can I exchange this? |
| Ich möchte das zurückgeben. | I would like to return this. |
| Haben Sie den Kassenbon? | Do you have the receipt? |
| Kann ich mein Geld zurückbekommen? | Can I get my money back? |
| Welche Rückgabefrist gilt? | What is the return period? |
Grammar in context
Ich möchte diese Hose kaufen.
I would like to buy these trousers.
Ich möchte das anprobieren.
I would like to try this on.
Ich möchte bezahlen.
I would like to pay.
Learning tip: “Ich möchte ...” is a useful, polite way to express what you would like to do.
A1 speaking tip
1. Ich suche ... — I'm looking for ...
2. Haben Sie ...? — Do you have ...?
3. Kann ich ...? — Can I ...?
4. Ich nehme das. — I'll take it.
Replace the missing words with different clothing items, colours and sizes to build your own conversations.
06 / German in Real Life
Knowing vocabulary is only the first step. Practise these everyday conversations to learn how German speakers ask for clothes, discuss sizes, try on outfits and complete a purchase. Read each dialogue aloud, then switch roles with a learning partner.
Situation: A customer enters a clothing shop and asks for a jacket.
Guten Tag! Kann ich Ihnen helfen?
Hello! Can I help you?
Ja, ich suche eine Jacke.
Yes, I'm looking for a jacket.
Welche Farbe möchten Sie?
What colour would you like?
Ich möchte eine schwarze Jacke.
I would like a black jacket.
Hier ist eine schwarze Jacke. Bitte schön!
Here is a black jacket. Here you are!
Situation: The customer likes a T-shirt but needs a different size.
Entschuldigung, haben Sie dieses T-Shirt in Größe M?
Excuse me, do you have this T-shirt in size M?
Einen Moment, bitte. Ich schaue nach.
One moment, please. I'll check.
Ja, hier ist Größe M.
Yes, here is size M.
Danke! Wo kann ich das anprobieren?
Thank you! Where can I try it on?
Die Umkleidekabine ist dort rechts.
The fitting room is over there on the right.
Situation: The customer tries on a pair of trousers and asks about the fit.
Passt die Hose?
Do the trousers fit?
Nein, sie ist zu eng.
No, they're too tight.
Möchten Sie eine größere Größe?
Would you like a larger size?
Ja, bitte. Haben Sie Größe L?
Yes, please. Do you have size L?
Natürlich. Ich bringe sie Ihnen.
Of course. I'll bring them to you.
Situation: The customer has chosen a shirt and is ready to pay.
Haben Sie alles gefunden?
Did you find everything you were looking for?
Ja, danke. Ich nehme dieses Hemd.
Yes, thank you. I'll take this shirt.
Das macht 25 Euro.
That comes to 25 euros.
Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?
Can I pay by card?
Ja, natürlich. Vielen Dank!
Yes, of course. Thank you very much!
Danke. Auf Wiedersehen!
Thank you. Goodbye!
Your speaking workout
Use the situations below to practise without reading the complete dialogues. Try to speak in German first, then check the vocabulary from the previous sections.
Ask for a blue coat, request size L and ask where the fitting room is.
Ask how much a pair of shoes costs. Say that the price is too expensive.
Explain that a shirt is too small and ask for a larger size.
Choose a dress, ask to pay by card and thank the shop assistant.
07 / Review & Practice
Time to put your German into practice. Review clothing words, complete useful shopping sentences and translate everyday phrases. Check your answers as you go and use any mistakes as a guide for what to revise next.
Select one English translation for each German word.
1. die Schuhe
2. die Hose
3. anprobieren
4. gestreift
5. die Umkleidekabine
Type the missing German word. Capitalisation is not important.
Write your own translation, then reveal a sample answer to compare.
1. I am looking for a blue jacket.
Write your German translation.Ich suche eine blaue Jacke.
2. Can I pay by card?
Write your German translation.Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?
3. Do you have this in size M?
Write your German translation.Haben Sie das in Größe M?
4. These trousers are too tight.
Write your German translation.Diese Hose ist zu eng.
Note: In German, die Hose is grammatically singular, even though English usually says “trousers.”
Lesson completed
Use this checklist to decide whether you are ready to move on. You do not need to memorise every word at once; regular revision and speaking practice are what make vocabulary stick.
08 / Revision & Independent Learning
Keep the most useful clothing words and shopping expressions in one place. Use this revision sheet for daily practice, vocabulary review and preparation for beginner-level German conversations.
| German | English | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing & accessories | ||
| das T-Shirt | T-shirt | Clothing |
| das Hemd | Shirt | Clothing |
| die Bluse | Blouse | Clothing |
| die Hose | Trousers | Clothing |
| der Rock | Skirt | Clothing |
| das Kleid | Dress | Clothing |
| die Jacke | Jacket | Clothing |
| der Mantel | Coat | Clothing |
| die Schuhe | Shoes | Footwear |
| die Socken | Socks | Accessories |
| der Gürtel | Belt | Accessories |
| die Mütze | Cap / knitted hat | Accessories |
| Colours & descriptions | ||
| schwarz | Black | Colour |
| weiß | White | Colour |
| blau | Blue | Colour |
| rot | Red | Colour |
| grün | Green | Colour |
| gestreift | Striped | Pattern |
| kariert | Checked | Pattern |
| geblümt | Floral | Pattern |
| bequem | Comfortable | Description |
| eng / weit | Tight / loose | Fit |
| Shopping & materials | ||
| die Größe | Size | Shopping |
| der Preis | Price | Shopping |
| die Umkleidekabine | Fitting room | Shopping |
| anprobieren | To try on | Verb |
| bezahlen | To pay | Verb |
| umtauschen | To exchange | Verb |
| die Baumwolle | Cotton | Material |
| die Wolle | Wool | Material |
| das Leder | Leather | Material |
| German expression | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Ich suche eine Jacke. | I'm looking for a jacket. |
| Wie viel kostet das? | How much does that cost? |
| Kann ich das anprobieren? | Can I try this on? |
| Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen? | Can I pay by card? |
Cover the English column and say the meaning of each German word aloud.
Make short phrases using colours, patterns, sizes and clothing items.
Act out a shop conversation. Ask for an item, its price and your size.
Write down five difficult words and revisit them tomorrow.
Fortgang Institut · German A1
Vocabulary becomes useful when you use it. Revisit this guide, practise the dialogues and describe the clothes you wear every day in German. Small, regular practice sessions can help turn new words into lasting knowledge.
Explore the A1 Vocabulary Hub →Your German Learning Journey
You have explored German clothing vocabulary, colours, sizes, fabrics, shopping expressions and everyday conversations. Keep building your vocabulary one practical topic at a time, and turn the words you learn into German you can actually use.
Discover more beginner-friendly vocabulary topics and build a stronger foundation for everyday German.
Explore the vocabulary hub →Practise useful expressions for daily life, from introducing yourself to shopping and talking about familiar things.
Explore everyday vocabulary →Combine new vocabulary with sentence structure, articles, verbs and simple German grammar patterns.
Explore German courses →Your next step starts here. Return to this lesson whenever you need revision, practise saying the example sentences aloud, and try using your new words in your own sentences.
Lerne Schritt für Schritt. Practise consistently. Make German part of your everyday life.
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