01
das Paar
pair
Two things of the same kind that belong together.
example
Ich brauche ein neues Paar Schuhe.
I need a new pair of shoes.
das Paar
pair / couple
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Things that belong together
'Das Paar' (the pair) refers to two things that belong together and form a unit. It is most commonly used for items of clothing intended for symmetrical body parts.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir ein neues Paar Handschuhe für den Winter gekauft.
I bought myself a new pair of gloves for the winter.
People in a relationship
When it refers to people, 'das Paar' (the couple) describes two people in a romantic relationship. Common adjectives before it are 'jung' (young), 'verliebt' (in love), or 'glücklich' (happy).
EXAMPLE
Das Paar feiert bald seine goldene Hochzeit.
The couple will soon celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
As a counting word
'Paar' functions like a unit of measurement for the number two. You count 'ein Paar' (one pair, for 2 items), 'zwei Paar' (two pairs, for 4 items), 'drei Paar' (three pairs, for 6 items), and so on.
EXAMPLE
Für die ganze Familie brauche ich fünf Paar neue Socken.
For the whole family, I need five pairs of new socks.
Compare with
Paar vs zwei
two
'zwei' and 'das Paar' both refer to two people or things. 'zwei' only says how many there are. 'ein Paar' also says that the two belong together or are seen together, for example two shoes, two people in a relationship, or two people dancing. So you can say 'zwei Schuhe' (two shoes), but 'ein Paar Schuhe' (a pair of shoes) sounds more precise when the left and right shoe belong together.
Paar
Im Flur steht ein neues Paar Schuhe.
There is a new pair of shoes in the hallway.
zwei
Auf dem Tisch stehen zwei Gläser.
There are two glasses on the table.
In real life
Loading video examples...