01
die Kleidung
clothing
All the things worn on the body, such as pants, shirts, dresses, and jackets.
example
Für die Hochzeit kaufte sie sich neue Kleidung.
For the wedding, she bought herself new clothing.
die Kleidung
clothing
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Meanings
Usage tips
Singular only
'Kleidung' (clothing) is a collective noun and is almost always used only in the singular in German. There is no plural form 'Kleidungen'.
EXAMPLE
Im Winter braucht man warme Kleidung.
In winter, you need warm clothing.
Counting individual items
Since 'Kleidung' (clothing) is an uncountable word, German uses 'das Kleidungsstück' (item of clothing; plural: 'die Kleidungsstücke') when you want to name or count individual pieces.
EXAMPLE
Nimm nicht so viele einzelne Kleidungsstücke mit in den Urlaub.
Don't take too many individual items of clothing with you on vacation.
Word structure
The noun 'Kleidung' (clothing) is derived from the verb 'sich kleiden' (to dress oneself). The ending '-ung' turns the action of getting dressed into a noun.
EXAMPLE
Er kleidet sich immer sehr elegant.
He always dresses very elegantly.
Typical adjectives
To describe the type of clothing, 'Kleidung' is often combined with adjectives. Common examples are 'warme Kleidung' (warm clothing), 'sportliche Kleidung' (sporty clothing), or 'bequeme Kleidung' (comfortable clothing).
EXAMPLE
Für die Wanderung empfehle ich bequeme Kleidung und feste Schuhe.
For the hike, I recommend comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
Compare with
Kleidung vs Mode
fashion
'die Kleidung' and 'die Mode' often have to do with what people wear. Still, they do not mean the same thing. 'Kleidung' refers to the concrete things worn on the body, for example pants, a jacket, or a shirt. 'Mode' means the style that is popular in a particular period, that is, what is currently considered beautiful or appropriate. You can buy or wash clothing, but you follow a fashion or are interested in fashion. This mix-up happens easily because fashion often becomes visible through clothing.
Kleidung
Er legt seine Kleidung für morgen schon am Abend auf den Stuhl.
He lays out his clothes for tomorrow on the chair the evening before.
Mode
Am Montag spricht meine Kollegin über die neue Mode für den Sommer.
On Monday, my colleague talks about the new fashion for summer.
In real life
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