das  Trikot

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁiˈkoː/

👕 What exactly is a Trikot?

A Trikot (neuter gender: das Trikot) primarily refers to a special shirt worn for sports in German, especially in team sports like football (Fußball), handball, or basketball. It often serves to identify the team through colours, logos, and numbers.

Less commonly, it can also refer generally to a close-fitting top made of elastic material, e.g., for cycling (Radsport), ballet, or gymnastics (Turnen).

🚨 Important: The only article for Trikot is das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "das Trikot" in Detail

The noun Trikot is neuter (sächlich). Here is the declension:

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Spieler trägt stolz das Trikot seiner Mannschaft. (The player proudly wears his team's jersey.)
2. Ich habe mir das neue Trikot meines Lieblingsvereins gekauft. (I bought the new jersey of my favourite club.)
3. Mit dem Trikot fühlt er sich wie ein Profi. (With the jersey, he feels like a pro.)
4. Die Farbe des Trikots ist leuchtend rot. (The colour of the jersey is bright red.)
5. Die Fans schwenkten die Trikots in der Luft. (The fans waved the jerseys in the air.)
6. Der Sponsor ist auf allen Trikots abgebildet. (The sponsor is depicted on all jerseys.)

💡 How to Use "das Trikot"

• In sports contexts: This is the most common use. People talk about a Fußballtrikot (football jersey), Handballtrikot (handball jersey), Nationaltrikot (national team jersey), etc. It refers to the top part of the sportswear of a team or individual athlete.
• Tight-fitting clothing: Less frequently, it also refers to close-fitting tops, e.g., in dancing or cycling (Radsporttrikot).
• Difference from "Hemd" or "Shirt": A Hemd usually has buttons and a collar (like a dress shirt). A Shirt (or T-Shirt) is more general and often made of cotton. A Trikot is typically made of functional material (polyester) and specifically designed for sports activities.
• As fan merchandise: Trikots are often worn by fans to show their support for a club or national team.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Trikot"

For the article "das": Think of 'the team' ('das Team') wearing 'the jersey' ('das Trikot'). Or: A jersey is often made of synthetic material - 'das Material' is crucial.

For the meaning: Imagine an athlete celebrating triumphs – in their Trikot!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Trikot

⚠️ Similar words: Trikotage refers to the type of knitted fabric or the industry that produces it, not the garment itself.

😄 A Little Joke about the Trikot

Warum wechseln Fußballspieler nach dem Spiel ihre Trikots nicht sofort?
Weil sie erst mal checken müssen, ob sie gewonnen haben – sonst müssen sie ja das vom Gegner waschen! 😉

Translation: Why don't football players change their jerseys immediately after the game? 🤔
Because first, they have to check if they won – otherwise, they'd have to wash the opponent's jersey! 😉

✍️ Poem about the Trikot

Das Trikot, in Farben klar,
Zeigt, wer ich bin, Jahr für Jahr.
Auf dem Platz, im Stadionrund,
Tut es meine Treue kund.
Aus Stoff gemacht für Schweiß und Sieg,
Ein Symbol, das bei mir blieb'.

Translation:
The jersey, in colours clear,
Shows who I am, year after year.
On the pitch, in the stadium round,
It announces my loyalty aloud.
Made of fabric for sweat and victory,
A symbol that stayed with me.

❓ A Trikot Riddle

Ich habe Farben, oft 'ne Zahl,
Bin beim Sport die erste Wahl.
Ein Team trägt mich mit Stolz und Ehr',
Man kauft mich auch als Souvenir.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: Das Trikot

Translation:
I have colours, often a number,
I'm the first choice in sports, you'll discover.
A team wears me with pride and honour,
You can also buy me as a souvenir corner.
What am I?
Solution: The jersey (das Trikot)

🧐 More Fun Facts

Word Origin (Wortherkunft): The word Trikot comes from French. "Tricot" means "knitwear" or "knitted fabric". Originally, it referred to the type of fabric.

Materials (Materialien): Modern Trikots are mostly made of synthetic functional fibers like polyester. These are breathable, wick away sweat, and dry quickly.