German Names of 50 Common Clothes: A Beginner’s Guide

Learning the names of clothing items in German is essential if you want to feel confident when shopping, talking about fashion, or simply describing what you’re wearing. Whether you’re visiting a German-speaking country, following German fashion blogs, or attending a language class, expanding your wardrobe-related vocabulary will make your conversations more engaging and practical. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 50 common clothing items in German, categorized into everyday clothing, outerwear, footwear, accessories, and seasonal items. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to talk about your favourite outfits, shop with ease, and enhance your German vocabulary.

German Names of 50 Common Clothes: A Beginner’s Guide

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1. Everyday Clothing (Alltagskleidung)

These are the clothes you’ll wear most often—whether for casual outings, daily errands, or just relaxing at home. Learning these basic clothing names will help you talk about your style and comfort.

1. Das T-Shirt – T-shirt

2. Die Hose – Pants

3. Das Hemd – Shirt

4. Die Jeans – Jeans

5. Die Bluse – Blouse

6. Das Kleid – Dress

7. Der Rock – Skirt

8. Der Pullover – Sweater

9. Das Unterhemd – Undershirt

10. Die Shorts – Shorts

    
    

Tip: Try describing your everyday outfit in German. For example: "Heute trage ich ein T-Shirt und eine Jeans." (Today I’m wearing a T-shirt and jeans.)

2. Outerwear (Oberbekleidung)

Outerwear is essential for staying warm, dry, or stylish when you’re outside. Whether you’re facing cold weather or a rainy day, knowing these words will help you talk about jackets, coats, and other protective layers.

11. Die Jacke – Jacket

12. Der Mantel – Coat

13. Der Blazer – Blazer

14. Der Regenmantel – Raincoat

15. Der Parka – Parka

16. Die Lederjacke – Leather jacket

17. Die Windjacke – Windbreaker

18. Die Weste – Vest

19. Der Anorak – Anorak

20. Der Trenchcoat – Trench coat

    
    

Tip: Practice using these terms by talking about the weather and your outerwear. For example: "Es regnet, also trage ich meinen Regenmantel." (It’s raining, so I’m wearing my raincoat.)

3. Footwear (Schuhe)

Shoes are an important part of any outfit, whether you’re dressing casually, going to the gym, or heading to a formal event. Knowing the German names for common types of shoes will help you describe your style from head to toe.

21. Die Schuhe – Shoes

22. Die Stiefel – Boots

23. Die Sandalen – Sandals

24. Die Sportschuhe – Sports shoes (sneakers)

25. Die Flip-Flops – Flip-flops

26. Die Hausschuhe – Slippers

27. Die Pumps – Pumps (high heels)

28. Die Ballerinas – Ballet flats

29. Die Gummistiefel – Rubber boots

30. Die Mokassins – Moccasins

    
    

Tip: Next time you’re shopping for shoes, practice saying what you’re looking for in German: "Ich suche nach neuen Sportschuhen." (I’m looking for new sports shoes.)

4. Accessories (Accessoires)

Accessories can add style and functionality to any outfit. Whether you’re putting on a scarf, sunglasses, or a belt, knowing these words will help you complete your look in German.

31. Der Hut – Hat

32. Die Mütze – Cap/Beanie

33. Der Schal – Scarf

34. Der Gürtel – Belt

35. Die Sonnenbrille – Sunglasses

36. Die Uhr – Watch

37. Die Krawatte – Tie

38. Das Armband – Bracelet

39. Die Halskette – Necklace

40. Die Ohrringe – Earrings

    
    

Tip: Use these terms to talk about your favourite accessories. For example: "Ich trage gerne einen Schal im Winter." (I like wearing a scarf in winter.)

5. Seasonal and Specialty Items (Saison- und Spezialkleidung)

Whether it’s for a specific season or occasion, some clothing items only come out during certain times of the year. These words will help you discuss seasonal wardrobes and specialized outfits.

41. Die Badehose – Swimming trunks

42. Der Badeanzug – Swimsuit

43. Der Bikini – Bikini

44. Der Schlafanzug – Pajamas

45. Die Strumpfhose – Tights

46. Der Bademantel – Bathrobe

47. Die Handschuhe – Gloves

48. Die Winterjacke – Winter jacket

49. Der Sonnenhut – Sun hat

50. Die Skihose – Ski pants

    
    

Tip: Talk about what you wear in different seasons. For example: "Im Sommer trage ich gerne einen Bikini, aber im Winter brauche ich eine Winterjacke." (In summer I like wearing a bikini, but in winter I need a winter jacket.)

How to Memorise German Clothing Vocabulary

Learning 50 new words for clothes in German might feel overwhelming at first, but with regular practice and immersion, it will soon become second nature. Here are some helpful ways to integrate these words into your daily routine:

1. Label Your Clothes

One easy and effective way to remember clothing vocabulary is to label your actual clothes. For instance, put a small label on your "Schuhe" (shoes), "Hemd" (shirt), or "Jacke" (jacket). Each time you get dressed, you’ll see and remember the German word.

2. Describe Your Outfits in German

Try describing what you’re wearing each day in German. This helps solidify the vocabulary in your mind. For example, you might say: "Heute trage ich eine Jeans und ein T-Shirt." (Today I’m wearing jeans and a T-shirt.) The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

3. Use Flashcards

Create flashcards with pictures of the clothing items on one side and the German name on the other. Review these regularly to help reinforce your memory. Apps like Quizlet or Anki make it easy to create digital flashcards that you can practice on the go.

4. Watch German Fashion Videos

Find German-language fashion YouTube channels or watch shows where people discuss outfits and clothing. This can help you hear the vocabulary in context and improve your understanding of how these words are used in real-life conversations.

5. Shop for Clothes in German

If you’re travelling or living in a German-speaking country, practice your clothing vocabulary while shopping. Ask for items in German: "Haben Sie diese Hose in einer anderen Größe?" (Do you have these pants in another size?) Shopping is a great opportunity to practice your language skills.

Conclusion

Learning the German names for common clothes is a practical and rewarding way to expand your vocabulary. Whether you’re shopping, dressing for the day, or talking about fashion, knowing how to describe clothes in German will help you communicate more effectively and feel more confident in conversations about style and daily routines.

By practising these words regularly and using them in everyday situations, you’ll quickly become familiar with German clothing vocabulary. If you're looking to improve your German vocabulary even further, consider taking German lessons online with Olesen Tuition. Our expert tutors can help you navigate vocabulary in practical, real-world contexts, ensuring that you become confident and fluent.

Viel Spaß beim Lernen und Shoppen! (Have fun learning and shopping!)