das  Kleid

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/klaɪt/

👗 What exactly is a "Kleid"?

The German word das Kleid (noun, neuter) refers to a one-piece garment typically worn by women and girls. It covers the upper body and extends down over the legs, with the length varying greatly (from a mini dress, Minikleid, to a floor-length evening gown, Abendkleid).

There are countless styles and occasions for dresses, e.g.:

• Sommerkleid (summer dress)
• Abendkleid (evening dress)
• Hochzeitskleid (wedding dress)
• Cocktailkleid (cocktail dress)
• Strickkleid (knitted dress)

⚠️ Attention: Although "die Kleidung" (clothing) sounds similar, it is the general term for all types of apparel and has a different article (die)!

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Kleid

"Kleid" is a noun with the neuter article das. It declines as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sie trug ein wunderschönes rotes Kleid zur Party.
   (She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.)
2. Im Sommer liebe ich es, leichte Kleider zu tragen.
   (In summer, I love wearing light dresses.)
3. Der Preis des Kleides war überraschend günstig.
   (The price of the dress was surprisingly affordable.)
4. Ich habe dem Kleid im Schaufenster lange nachgeschaut.
   (I gazed at the dress in the shop window for a long time.)
5. Die Mutter nähte ihrer Tochter viele bunte Kleider.
   (The mother sewed many colorful dresses for her daughter.)

💡 When to use "das Kleid"?

"Das Kleid" is used specifically to refer to this one-piece women's or girl's garment.

• Everyday & Leisure: "Für den Stadtbummel ziehe ich ein bequemes Sommerkleid an." (For strolling through the city, I'm putting on a comfortable summer dress.)
• Special Occasions: "Zur Hochzeit trägt die Braut traditionell ein weißes Kleid." (For the wedding, the bride traditionally wears a white dress.) (Hochzeitskleid)
• Fashion & Shopping: "Ich suche ein neues Kleid für die Firmenfeier." (I'm looking for a new dress for the company party.)

Distinction from other words:

• Der Rock (skirt): Is only the lower part covering the legs and is combined with a separate top.
• Die Kleidung (clothing): General term for all textiles worn on the body (trousers, shirts, jackets, dresses, etc.). Note the article 'die'!
• Der Anzug (suit): Typical formal wear for men (jacket and trousers), sometimes also a pantsuit for women (Hosenanzug).

🧠 Tips for Remembering "das Kleid"

For the article 'das': Think of objects or concepts that don't have an obvious biological gender in German – many are neuter ('das'). Imagine saying: "Das is *a* piece of cloth -> das Kleid." Also, a dress can be seen as *one* complete outfit ('das Outfit' is also neuter).

For the meaning 'dress': The word "Kleid" is the root of "Kleidung" (clothing). A dress is a fundamental piece of clothing, often associated with femininity. Picture someone getting *dressed* (sich ankleiden) – and maybe the first fancy item for women that comes to mind is *das Kleid*.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Kleid

⚠️ Similar Words

• Die Kleidung: The general term for clothing. Article is 'die'!
• Das Kleidchen: Diminutive of Kleid, often used for children's dresses or small, dainty dresses. The article remains 'das'.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt die Verkäuferin: "Wie gefällt Ihnen das Kleid?"
Kundin: "Naja, es ist ein bisschen kurz."
Verkäuferin: "Das ist nicht das Kleid, das ist der Gürtel!"

EN: The saleswoman asks: "How do you like the dress?"
Customer: "Well, it's a bit short."
Saleswoman: "That's not the dress, that's the belt!"

✍️ Dress Poem

DE:
Ein Kleid so bunt, ein Sommertraum,
es hängt im Schrank, nimmt wenig Raum.
Mal lang, mal kurz, mal schick, mal schlicht,
es zaubert Lächeln ins Gesicht.
Das Kleid, es tanzt im Wind so frei,
für jeden Anlass ist's dabei.

EN Translation:
A dress so bright, a summer dream,
It hangs in the closet, takes little space, it would seem.
Sometimes long, short, chic, or plain,
It brings a smile, again and again.
The dress, it dances in the breeze so free,
For every occasion, it's there, you see.

❓ Dress Riddle

DE:
Ich bin ein Stück, nicht zwei, nicht drei,
edeck' dich oft von Hals bis Knie (manchmal frei). Mal elegant, mal luftig-leicht,
\wer Mode liebt, der kennt mich gleich.
Mit 'das' fängt meine Reise an.

Was bin ich?
... Das Kleid

EN Translation:
I am one piece, not two, not three,
Covering you often from neck to knee (sometimes free).
Sometimes elegant, sometimes airy and light,
Fashion lovers know me on sight.
My journey starts with 'das'.

What am I?
... The dress (das Kleid)

✨ More about "das Kleid"

Compound Words: "Kleid" forms the basis for many more specific terms:

• Abendkleid: Evening dress (for formal evening events).
• Sommerkleid: Summer dress (light dress for warm days).
• Brautkleid: Wedding dress.
• Kleiderbügel: Clothes hanger (lit. 'dress hanger', but used for other clothes too).
• Kleiderschrank: Wardrobe/closet (lit. 'dress cupboard').

Etymology: The word "Kleid" comes from Old High German "kleit" and originally meant generally "cloth, fabric, garment". It's the root of the more general term "Kleidung" (clothing).