die  Jacke

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈjakə/

🧥 What exactly is a 'Jacke'?

Die Jacke (noun, feminine) refers to a piece of clothing worn over other upper body garments. It usually serves to protect against cold, wind, or rain, but can also be a fashion accessory.

In contrast to a Mantel (coat), die Jacke is typically shorter, often reaching only to the hip or waist. There are many different types of Jacken, e.g., Lederjacken (leather jackets), Jeansjacken (denim jackets), Regenjacken (rain jackets), or Sakkos (suit jackets, although Sakko is often considered a separate category).

There is only one article for this word: die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: 'Die Jacke' in Detail

The word "Jacke" is a feminine noun and therefore uses the article "die". Here is the declension:

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Jacke hängt am Haken. (The jacket is hanging on the hook. - Nominative Singular)
• Der Reißverschluss der Jacke ist kaputt. (The zipper of the jacket is broken. - Genitive Singular)
• Ich gebe der Jacke noch einen Knopf. (I give the jacket another button. - Dative Singular - uncommon, more likely: Ich nähe einen Knopf an die Jacke - I sew a button onto the jacket)
• Er zieht die Jacke an. (He puts the jacket on. - Accusative Singular)
• Die Jacken im Schaufenster sind teuer. (The jackets in the shop window are expensive. - Nominative Plural)
• Die Farben der Jacken gefallen mir. (I like the colors of the jackets. - Genitive Plural)
• Mit den neuen Jacken sind wir gut ausgestattet. (We are well equipped with the new jackets. - Dative Plural)
• Sie hat viele schöne Jacken gekauft. (She bought many beautiful jackets. - Accusative Plural)

💡 How to Use 'die Jacke'

"Die Jacke" is an everyday word. Here are some typical contexts:

• Weather: "Zieh dir eine Jacke an, es ist kalt draußen!" (Put on a jacket, it's cold outside!)
• Fashion: "Diese Lederjacke passt perfekt zu deinem Stil." (This leather jacket perfectly matches your style.)
• Function: "Meine Regenjacke hält mich trocken." (My raincoat keeps me dry.)
• Storage: "Wo ist meine Jacke? Ich habe sie auf den Stuhl gelegt." (Where is my jacket? I put it on the chair.)

Difference to Mantel: A Mantel (coat) is generally longer than a Jacke, often reaching the knees or beyond. It usually offers more protection against the cold.

Difference to Weste: A Weste (vest/waistcoat) has no sleeves, unlike a Jacke.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Jacke'

Article 'die': Think of fashion often being associated with the feminine 'die' – die Fashion-Week needs die Jacke. Or picture a woman (die Frau) putting on die Jacke.

Meaning: The German word "Jacke" sounds very similar to the English word "Jacket", making the meaning easy to remember.

↔️ Similar and Opposing Words

⚠️ Potential for Confusion

Be careful not to confuse "Jacke" with "Mantel" (coat) or "Weste" (vest), as they refer to different types of clothing.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Geist keine Jacke getragen?

Weil er durchsichtig war und man eh alles gesehen hätte! 😉

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Why didn't the ghost wear a jacket?

Because he was transparent and you could see everything anyway! 😉

✍️ Jacket Poem

Wenn der Wind weht, kalt und rau,
Greif ich schnell, das weiß ich genau,
Nach meiner Jacke, warm und schick,
Sie schützt mich vor dem Wetterstück.
Ob Leder, Jeans, ob blau, ob rot,
Die Jacke hilft in jeder Not!

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When the wind blows, cold and rough,
I quickly grab, I know well enough,
My jacket, warm and chic,
It protects me from the weather's trick.
Be it leather, denim, blue, or red,
The jacket helps in any stead!

❓ Who or What Am I?

Ich habe Ärmel, aber keine Arme.
Ich halte dich warm, doch habe selbst keine Wärme.
Man zieht mich an, wenn man nach draußen geht,
Und zieht mich aus, wenn man im Hause steht.

Was bin ich?

Auflösung: Die Jacke

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I have sleeves, but no arms.
I keep you warm, but have no warmth myself.
You put me on when you go outside,
And take me off when you stand inside.

What am I?

Solution: The jacket (die Jacke)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Compounds: "Jacke" is often part of compound nouns (Komposita) that describe the type or material of the jacket:

• Lederjacke (Leather jacket)
• Jeansjacke (Denim jacket)
• Regenjacke (Rain jacket)
• Winterjacke (Winter jacket)
• Sommerjacke (Summer jacket)
• Trainingsjacke (Tracksuit jacket / Training jacket)

Origin: The word likely comes from the French word "jaque," which referred to a type of padded tunic worn as armor.