die  Kapuze

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kaˈpuːtsə/

🧥 What exactly is a 'Kapuze'?

The German word die Kapuze means hood. It refers to the part of a garment (like a sweatshirt, jacket, or coat) designed to cover the head and neck. It provides protection from cold 🥶, rain 🌧️, or wind 💨, but can also serve fashion purposes or contribute to anonymity.

The noun is feminine, so it's always die Kapuze.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Kapuze' in Detail

The noun 'Kapuze' is feminine. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Bei Regen zog er schnell die Kapuze über den Kopf. (In the rain, he quickly pulled the hood over his head.)
2. Der Hoodie hat eine besonders große Kapuze. (The hoodie has an especially large hood.)
3. Die Mönchskutte hatte eine tiefe Kapuze. (The monk's cowl had a deep hood.)
4. Viele verschiedene Jacken werden mit Kapuzen verkauft. (Many different jackets are sold with hoods.)

💬 How to Use 'Kapuze'?

The term Kapuze is primarily used in the context of clothing. You talk about the Kapuze of a Kapuzenpullover (hoodie), a rain jacket, a coat, or even historical garments like monk cowls.

• Weather protection: "Setz deine Kapuze auf, es fängt an zu regnen!" (Put your hood on, it's starting to rain!)
• Fashion/Style: "Ich mag Pullover mit Kapuzen." (I like sweaters with hoods.)
• Anonymity/Concealment: "Der Verdächtige trug eine Kapuze, um sein Gesicht zu verbergen." (The suspect wore a hood to hide his face.)

Compared to a Mütze (beanie, cap), a Kapuze is permanently attached to another piece of clothing.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Kapuze'

Article 'die': Imagine a fashion model saying, "Oh die, darling, this Kapuze is simply divine!" Fashion (Mode) related words in German are often feminine (die).

Meaning 'Hood': Sound it out: "Ka-POOT-ze". When it's cold, you put (POOT) the Kapuze on ze (=the) head. Or think of 'cap' (Kap-) which covers the head, and 'ooze' (uze) - you put it on when it's oozing rain.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

😂 A Little Hood Joke

German: Warum tragen Skelette keine Hoodies mit Kapuze? – Weil sie nichts haben, um sie auszufüllen – außer kalten Knochen!

English: Why don't skeletons wear hoodies with hoods? – Because they have nothing to fill them out – except cold bones! 💀

✍️ Poem about the 'Kapuze'

German:
Die Kapuze, weich und warm,
schützt den Kopf vor Sturm und Harm.
Ob Regen, Wind, ob kalter Hauch,
sie hilft dir sicher, das weißt du auch.
Am Pulli dran, ganz schick und fein,
so soll die Kapuze sein!

English Translation:
The hood, so soft and warm,
Protects the head from storm and harm.
Be it rain, wind, or cold air's bite,
It helps you surely, day and night.
On the sweater, neat and fine,
That's how the hood should shine!

❓ Hood Riddle

German:
Ich hänge an Jacke oder Kleid,
bin für den Kopf stets bereit.
Bei Regen und bei kaltem Wind,
ziehst du mich über, geschwind.

Was bin ich?
... Die Kapuze

English Translation:
I hang on jacket or on dress,
Ready for the head, no less.
In rain and in the cold wind's blow,
You pull me over, quick, you know.

What am I?
... The hood (die Kapuze)

🧩 Other Info about 'Kapuze'

Word Origin (Etymology): The German word "Kapuze" comes from the Italian cappuccio, meaning "small cap" or "monk's cowl". This, in turn, derives from the Latin cappa (a type of cloak or head covering).

Cultural Significance: Hoods are found not only in modern casual wear (hoodies) but also in traditional and ceremonial robes, such as those worn by monks (Mönche) or in certain historical folk costumes (Trachten).