01
der Anzug
suit
A formal combination of jacket and trousers (and sometimes a vest) made from the same fabric, mainly worn by men.
example
Zur Hochzeit trug er einen eleganten dunklen Anzug.
He wore an elegant dark suit to the wedding.
der Anzug
suit
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Anzug' (suit) is derived from the verb 'anziehen' (to put on / to get dressed). So literally, it is something you put on. The second part '-zug' comes from 'ziehen' (to pull).
EXAMPLE
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch hat er sich extra einen neuen Anzug gekauft.
He bought himself a new suit especially for the job interview.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Anzug' (suit) in this meaning are 'einen Anzug tragen' (to wear a suit), 'einen Anzug anziehen' (to put on a suit), or 'im Anzug erscheinen' (to appear in a suit).
EXAMPLE
Mein Vater trägt bei der Arbeit immer einen Anzug.
My father always wears a suit at work.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'im Anzug sein' (to be approaching / to be imminent) is a fixed idiom. It is usually used for negative events or weather phenomena that are about to happen soon.
EXAMPLE
Ein starkes Unwetter ist im Anzug.
A severe storm is approaching.
Context clue
The two meanings are easy to distinguish. If people are talking about clothing, the first meaning is intended. The fixed expression 'im Anzug sein' (to be approaching / to be imminent) always refers to an upcoming event.
EXAMPLE
Er bügelt seinen Anzug für die morgige Präsentation.
He is ironing his suit for tomorrow's presentation.
Compare with
Anzug vs Kombination
combination
'Kombination' and 'Anzug' can both have to do with clothing or matching parts. But 'Kombination' is much more general: it means an arrangement or combination of different things. With clothing, it can simply mean that individual pieces go well together. It also has an older meaning: a one-piece undergarment, or slip. 'Anzug' is much more specific: it consists of a jacket and trousers, usually made from the same fabric, and is often worn on formal occasions. The words can be confused because a suit is also a kind of clothing combination. Even so, for a jacket and trousers you normally say 'Anzug', not 'Kombination'.
Anzug
Für das Bewerbungsgespräch zieht er heute einen dunklen Anzug an.
For the job interview today, he is putting on a dark suit.
Kombination
Frau Demir trägt morgen eine schöne Kombination aus heller Bluse und dunkler Hose.
Tomorrow, Ms. Demir is wearing a nice combination of a light blouse and dark trousers.
In real life
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