die Klamotte
clothes
A colloquial, often slightly derogatory expression for clothing. It is usually used in the plural ('Klamotten').
EXAMPLE
Ich muss dringend mal wieder neue Klamotten kaufen.
I really need to buy some new clothes again.
die Klamotte
clothes / farce
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Meanings
die Klamotte
farce
A colloquial term for an undemanding, often exaggerated and comic film or play.
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntagabend haben wir uns im Fernsehen eine alte Klamotte aus den 70ern angesehen.
On Sunday evening we watched an old 1970s farce on TV.
Usage tips
Colloquial word
'Klamotte' and 'Klamotten' are very colloquial. In formal situations, for example in a business letter or job application, you should use 'Kleidung' (clothing) instead.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party habe ich mir ein paar coole Klamotten gekauft.
I bought myself some cool clothes for the party.
Singular vs. plural
The meaning can often be recognized from the number form. The plural 'Klamotten' almost always refers to clothes. The singular 'die Klamotte', on the other hand, is often used for a silly film or play.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch meine Klamotten für den Urlaub packen.
I still have to pack my clothes for the vacation.
Typical collocations
In connection with clothing, you often hear 'alte/neue Klamotten' (old/new clothes), 'sich in seine Klamotten werfen' (to throw on one's clothes / get dressed quickly), or 'seine Klamotten packen' (to pack one's things/clothes).
EXAMPLE
Wirf dich in deine besten Klamotten, wir gehen heute Abend schick aus!
Throw on your best clothes; we're going out somewhere fancy tonight!
Compare with
Klamotte vs Kleidungsstück
garment
Both words can refer to a single item of clothing. However, Klamotte is colloquial and often sounds casual or slightly derogatory, while Kleidungsstück is neutral and factual. Kleidungsstück is appropriate in a normal description, whereas Klamotte may be more suitable for a casual evaluation.
Klamotte
Diese alte Klamotte ziehe ich nur noch zum Streichen der Wohnung an.
I only wear this old piece of clothing when I paint the apartment.
Kleidungsstück
Dieses Kleidungsstück ist aus warmer Wolle und eignet sich gut für den Winter.
This garment is made of warm wool and is well suited for winter.
In real life
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