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
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Meanings
das Paar
couple
Two people who are connected in a romantic relationship or marriage.
EXAMPLE
Das junge Paar hat letztes Jahr geheiratet.
The young couple got married last year.
das Paar
pair
Two people who do an activity together, for example as dance partners or game partners.
EXAMPLE
Beim Walzer bildeten die Tänzer elegante Paare.
During the waltz, the dancers formed elegant pairs.
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 Duo
duo
Paar and Duo can both refer to two people who do something together. Paar emphasizes more strongly that they belong together as partners, while Duo highlights their joint activity or shared performance. Paar fits dance or game partners, while Duo is often suitable for a joint artistic performance.
Paar
Das Paar übt jeden Abend gemeinsam für den Tanzwettbewerb.
The pair practices together every evening for the dance competition.
Duo
Das Duo tritt jeden Abend gemeinsam mit einem neuen Programm auf.
The duo performs a new program together every evening.
In real life
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