das  Kostüm

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔsˈtyːm/

🎭 What does "das Kostüm" mean?

The German word das Kostüm primarily has two meanings:

• Costume: Clothing worn for a specific occasion (e.g., Carnival, Halloween, theme party) or for a specific role (e.g., in theater, film) to represent someone or something else. 🎭🥳
  Example: Zu Karneval trug sie ein aufwendiges Piratenkostüm. (For Carnival, she wore an elaborate pirate costume.)
• Women's suit: A two-piece garment for women, consisting of a jacket (blazer) and skirt or trousers, usually worn in a business context. 👔💼
  Example: Für das Bewerbungsgespräch wählte sie ein elegantes blaues Kostüm. (For the job interview, she chose an elegant blue suit.)

⚠️ Note: Although both meanings exist, the context usually makes it clear which one is intended. In everyday life, the meaning "costume" often prevails, while in fashion or business contexts, it might refer to the women's suit.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Kostüm" in Detail

The noun "Kostüm" is neuter. Therefore, the article is das.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Kind liebte sein Superhelden-Kostüm.
   (The child loved their superhero costume.)
2. Die Schauspielerin wechselte schnell das Kostüm für die nächste Szene.
   (The actress quickly changed the costume for the next scene.)
3. Im Schrank hängen mehrere schicke Kostüme für die Arbeit.
   (Several chic suits for work are hanging in the closet.)
4. Der Preis des Kostüms war überraschend hoch.
   (The price of the costume/suit was surprisingly high.)
5. Mit diesen bunten Kostümen fallen wir sicher auf!
   (With these colorful costumes, we will surely stand out!)

💡 How to use "das Kostüm"?

The usage of *das Kostüm* heavily depends on the context:

• Carnival & Parties: Here, it almost always means *costume* (fancy dress). People talk about *Faschingskostüme*, *Halloweenkostüme*, etc.
• Theater & Film: Refers to the clothing of the actors that emphasizes a role. The term *Kostümbildner* (costume designer) exists here.
• Fashion & Business: Here, *Kostüm* refers to the classic women's suit (jacket + skirt/trousers).

Distinction from similar words:

• Der Anzug: Usually refers to a men's suit (jacket + trousers). While *das Kostüm* can mean a women's trouser suit, *der Anzug* is primarily associated with men.
• Die Tracht: Refers to traditional, regional clothing (e.g., *Dirndl*, *Lederhose*). While it can be worn at festivals, it's not just any disguise like a *Kostüm*.
• Die Verkleidung: Is a more general term for clothing worn to look different or play a role. *Kostüm* often implies something more specific or elaborate.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Kostüm"

Mnemonic for the Article (das):

Think of trying on a Kostüm. It's neither clearly masculine (der) nor feminine (die) – it's just an item, a thing, something neutral you wear. Hence: das Kostüm, like das Kleid (the dress) or das Hemd (the shirt - although 'Hemd' is neuter, not all clothing items are!). Or think of das Theater play – you need das Kostüm there.

Mnemonic for the Meanings:

A Kostüm can 'cost 'em' a bit! Whether it's a fancy dress costume 🎭 for a party or a sharp business suit 💼 for a woman, both can be an investment. Remember the 'cost' in Kostüm relates to both meanings.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Similar but Misleading Words:

• Die Kost: Means *food, fare, diet* (e.g., "leichte Kost" - *light diet*, "bei freier Kost und Logis" - *with free board and lodging*). Nothing to do with clothing!

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seine neue Sekretärin: "Haben Sie heute ein besonders schönes Kostüm an?"
Sie: "Wieso? Wollen wir heute etwa schon wieder Karneval feiern?"

Translation:
The boss asks his new secretary: "Are you wearing a particularly nice suit (Kostüm) today?"
She: "Why? Are we celebrating Carnival again already today?" (Playing on the double meaning)

✍️ Poem about "das Kostüm"

Ob Prinzessin, Clown, Pirat,
das Kostüm steht dir parat.
Zu Fasching bunt und voller Glanz,
eröffnet es den Narrentanz.

Doch auch im Büro, schick und fein,
kann's ein Kostüm für Damen sein.
Mit Rock oder Hose, adrett,
macht es im Business Eindruck, nett.

Translation:
Be it princess, clown, pirate bold,
The costume awaits, a sight to behold.
For Carnival, bright with glorious sheen,
It starts the jester's dancing scene.

But in the office, smart and neat,
A lady's suit (Kostüm) can be complete.
With skirt or trousers, trim and proper,
In business, it makes an impression, quite copper.

❓ Riddle

Ich kleide dich für Spaß und Spiel,
verändere dein Ausseh'n viel.
Mal bin ich bunt für Karneval,
mal schick im Business – auf jeden Fall!
Für Damen oft ein Zweiteiler klar,
mal Rock, mal Hose, wunderbar.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I dress you up for fun and games,
Changing how you look, playing name games.
Sometimes colorful for Carnival's day,
Sometimes chic for business, come what may!
For ladies often a two-piece set,
Sometimes skirt, sometimes trousers, you bet.

What am I?

Solution: das Kostüm

💡 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Kostüm" comes from the French word costume, which in turn derives from the Italian costume, originally meaning "custom, habit, traditional dress".

Compound Words: There are many compound words with "Kostüm", for example:

• Kostümball: *A costume ball* (a ball where guests wear costumes).
• Kostümfilm: *A costume drama* (a film set in a past era, emphasizing historical costumes).
• Kostümverleih: *A costume rental shop*.
• Badekostüm: *An older or regional term for a swimsuit*.