Winter Clothing

This year, it has been an unusually warm fall in Germany. Even in early October, there were some days in the high 60s (Fahrenheit, between 17 and 21 degrees celsius). However, there have been some very chilly, windy days recently, and Germans have finally had to get out their winter clothing to be prepared for lower temperatures.

Let’s go from head to toe and take a look at what items you need to brave the German winter.

There are two words for “the hat” in German, but only one of them is associated with the wool knit caps that are worn in the cold months.

Und im Winter braucht man unbedingt eine Mütze.

And in the winter you absolutely need a cap.

Caption 24, Eva - zeigt uns Kleidungsstücke
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Although some may prefer a daintier version (das Tuch, which is usually a thinner scarf or kerchief) even in the summer, a warm scarf or shawl (der Schal) is a must for the winter.

Was ist denn los? -Mir ist so kalt. Schenk mir doch deinen Schal!

What then is the matter? -I am so cold. Give me your shawl!

Caption 23, Märchenstunde - Die Sterntaler
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Of course, a warm coat (der Mantel) or a jacket (die Jacke) is essential to any winter outfit. There are many options depending on the weather conditions. You can likely recognize the words der Wollmantel, der Daunenmantel, die Daunenjacke, or die Regenjacke without our help!

Es ist kalt. Ich trage einen Mantel.

It is cold. I'm wearing a coat.

Caption 14, Deutschkurs in Tübingen - Fragen
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Der Handschuh is the singular form, but unless you've lost one, generally the plural for of "the gloves" is what you will use. Here, compound nouns also abound: such as die Strickhandschuhe, die Fleece-Handschuhe, die Lederhandschuhe, among others.

Giada, ist dir kalt? -Ja. -Möchtest du Handschuhe haben?

Giada, are you cold? -Yes. -Would you like to have some gloves?

Caption 82, Unterwegs mit Cettina - auf dem Bruchsaler Weihnachtsmarkt - Part 1
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And for rain and snow, you will want a good pair of boots for those slippery cobblestone streets.

Und er trägt wirklich Stiefel? Das muss ich sehen!

And is he really wearing boots? This I have to see!

Caption 29, Märchen - Sagenhaft - Der gestiefelte Kater
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Further Learning
Watch the video Eva: zeigt uns Kleidungsstücke in its entirety on Yabla German. To
to immerse yourself even more, take a look at a website that sells outerwear and do some window shopping. You will learn a lot of new words and compound nouns as you scroll through the various items.