der  Anzug

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈantsuːk/

👔 What exactly is 'der Anzug'?

The German term der Anzug primarily refers to a formal set of clothes for men, typically consisting of a Sakko (jacket) and matching Hose (trousers/pants). Often, a Weste (vest/waistcoat) is worn underneath.

It's the classic attire for business occasions, weddings, funerals, and other formal events.

• Main meaning: Men's suit (jacket + trousers)
• Differentiation: For women, a similar outfit is usually called das Kostüm or der Hosenanzug.
• Less common meanings: In phrases like "im Anzug sein", it can mean "to be approaching" or "to be imminent" (e.g., Ein Gewitter ist im Anzug. - A thunderstorm is approaching.). Another meaning is a set (in tennis) or the serve. However, these are less common in everyday language than the clothing meaning.

🚨 Be careful: While der Schlafanzug is a compound word, it means pyjamas (nightwear), not a formal suit!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Anzug

The word "Anzug" is a masculine noun. It uses the article der.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Usage Examples

1. Nominativ: Der Anzug passt perfekt. (The suit fits perfectly.)
2. Genitiv: Die Farbe des Anzugs gefällt mir sehr. (I really like the colour of the suit.)
3. Dativ: Mit dem Anzug machst du einen guten Eindruck. (You make a good impression with the suit.)
4. Akkusativ: Er kauft sich einen neuen Anzug. (He is buying himself a new suit.)
5. Plural: Im Schrank hängen mehrere Anzüge. (There are several suits hanging in the wardrobe.)

💼 When to Wear 'der Anzug'? Usage Notes

Der Anzug is the standard garment for many formal and semi-formal situations in German-speaking countries:

• In business: In many sectors (banking, insurance, management), a suit is part of the expected Geschäftskleidung (business attire).
• For celebrations: Weddings (Hochzeiten), anniversaries, christenings, significant birthdays – a suit is often worn.
• Formal events: Balls, visits to the opera, award ceremonies, or funerals often require a suit, sometimes even a specific type like a Smoking (tuxedo), which is also a kind of Anzug.
• Job interviews: A suit signals professionalism and seriousness (Professionalität und Ernsthaftigkeit).

Distinction from similar terms:

• Sakko: Refers only to the jacket, which can also be worn more casually with jeans or chinos. An Anzug always consists of a Sakko *and* matching trousers.
• Kostüm/Hosenanzug: The female equivalent of the men's suit (women's suit / pantsuit).
• Smoking/Frack: Even more formal evening suits (tuxedo/tailcoat) for special occasions.

The phrase "etwas ist im Anzug" (something is approaching/imminent) is more common in formal or written language: "Nach den ersten dunklen Wolken war klar, dass ein Unwetter im Anzug war." (After the first dark clouds, it was clear that a storm was approaching.)

💡 How to Remember 'der Anzug'

Article Mnemonic (der)

Imagine: DER dapper GENTLEMAN puts on his best Anzug. (Think 'gentleman' or 'Herr' - both masculine, matching der Anzug).

Meaning Mnemonic (Suit)

Think of the German verb "anziehen" (to put on/to dress). What do you put on (anziehen) to look particularly smart? An Anzug! You ziehen it an. Or: An ANgry ZUg (train) conductor might wear a formal uniform or suit.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Anzug

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution!)

• Kostüm (das): Usually refers to a woman's suit (jacket + skirt/trousers) or a costume (for parties/carnival).
• Schlafanzug (der): Pyjamas / sleepwear.
• Trainingsanzug (der): Tracksuit / sweatsuit.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, war Ihr letzter Anzug nicht etwas heller?"

Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Kann sein, Chef. Der hier ist auch schon drei Mal gewaschen worden."

(Translation:)

The boss asks his new employee: "Tell me, wasn't your last suit a bit lighter in colour?"

The employee replies: "Could be, boss. This one has also been washed three times already."

(Note: Suits are usually dry-cleaned, not washed.)

📜 A Suit in Verse

Der Stoff ganz fein, der Schnitt adrett,
Jackett und Hose, ein schickes Set.
Fürs Büro, die Feier, elegant,
Der Anzug, wohlbekannt im Land.
Ob grau, ob blau, ob Nadelstreif,
Er verleiht dem Auftritt letzten Schliff.

(Translation:)

The fabric so fine, the cut neat,
Jacket and trousers, a chic set.
For the office, the party, elegant,
The suit, well-known in the land.
Whether grey, or blue, or pinstripe,
It gives the appearance the final swipe (touch).

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bestehe meist aus zwei Teilen,
und lasse dich formell verweilen.
Im Business oder auf dem Fest,
gibst du mit mir dem Ganzen Rest.
Man zieht mich an, wenn's wichtig ist.

Na, wer bin ich?

(Translation:)

I usually consist of two parts,
and let you linger formally.
In business or at the feast,
with me, you give it all the rest (meaning: you look complete/perfect).
You put me on when it's important.

Well, who am I?

Solution: der Anzug (the suit)

✨ Other Interesting Aspects

Word Formation

The word "Anzug" is a nominalization (substantivization) of the verb "anziehen" (to put on, to dress). It originally describes that which one puts on.

Typical Compound Words

There are many compound words ending in "-anzug" that denote specific types:

• Maßanzug: A tailor-made suit.
• Hochzeitsanzug: A particularly festive suit for the groom.
• Businessanzug: A suit for everyday business wear.
• Sommeranzug / Winteranzug: Suits made of lighter or warmer fabrics.
• Schutzanzug: Protective clothing (e.g., chemical suit).
• Taucheranzug: Diving suit / wetsuit.
• Raumanzug: Spacesuit for astronauts.

These examples show that "Anzug" often describes a two-piece (or multi-piece) garment for a specific purpose.