coat / smock
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coat
A simple, often white or blue coat worn to protect clothing at work, especially by doctors, lab technicians, or tradespeople.
Die Ärztin zog vor der Untersuchung einen frischen Kittel an.
The doctor put on a fresh coat before the examination.
The meaning of 'Kittel' can almost always be inferred from context. Words like 'Arzt' (doctor), 'Labor' (laboratory), 'Chemie' (chemistry), or 'weiß' (white) point to the protective coat. Words like 'alt' (old), 'Kind' (child), 'Großmutter' (grandmother), or 'spielen' (to play) point to the old-fashioned garment.
Der Chemiker trug einen blauen Kittel. (Schutzmantel)
The chemist wore a blue coat. (protective coat)
In a professional context, the Kittel is often referred to as an 'Arztkittel' (doctor's coat) or 'Laborkittel' (lab coat). Typical verbs are 'einen Kittel anziehen' (to put on a coat), 'ausziehen' (to take off), or 'tragen' (to wear).
Im Labor ist das Tragen eines Kittels Pflicht.
In the lab, wearing a coat is mandatory.
The meaning as a simple dress is now outdated. It is almost only used when talking about earlier times, historical clothing, or rural traditions.
Früher trugen Frauen bei der Hausarbeit oft einen Kittel über ihrer Kleidung.
In the past, women often wore a smock over their clothes while doing housework.
dress
'das Kleid' and 'der Kittel' are both items of clothing, but they are worn in different situations. A 'Kleid' is a normal one-piece garment, often for everyday wear, celebrations, or special occasions. A 'Kittel' is usually a simple protective coat worn at work, for example in a laboratory, doctor's office, or workshop. In older or special uses, 'Kittel' can also mean a simple apron-like dress or smock. The words can be confused because both cover something on the body. As a practical rule: for fashion or a nice occasion, use 'Kleid'; for protective clothing at work, 'Kittel' is more likely.
Im Labor trägt die Mitarbeiterin einen weißen Kittel über ihrer Kleidung.
In the lab, the employee wears a white coat over her clothes.
Für die Hochzeit hat Lena ein blaues Kleid gekauft.
Lena bought a blue dress for the wedding.