zipper
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zipper
A fastening mechanism consisting of two flexible strips with small teeth that are hooked together or separated by a slider. It is commonly used on clothing, bags, and tents.
Der Reißverschluss an meiner Jacke ist kaputt.
The zipper on my jacket is broken.
The word is made up of the verb 'reißen' (to tear/pull) and the noun 'Verschluss' (fastener/closure). Although you do not tear it apart, the name describes the quick pulling motion when closing it.
Der Reißverschluss meiner Tasche ist sehr robust.
The zipper on my bag is very sturdy.
The most common verbs are 'öffnen' (to open) and 'schließen' (to close). In colloquial language, the separable verbs 'aufmachen' (to open) and 'zumachen' (to close) are also used frequently.
Kannst du mir helfen, den Reißverschluss an meinem Kleid zuzumachen?
Can you help me zip up the zipper on my dress?
When a zipper does not work, people often use the verb 'klemmen' (to be stuck/jam) or say that it 'ist kaputt' (is broken).
Mein Reißverschluss klemmt schon wieder, ich bekomme die Jacke nicht auf.
My zipper is stuck again; I can't get the jacket open.
button
'der Knopf' and 'der Reißverschluss' can both be on clothing and close something. Even so, they are different things. A 'Knopf' is a small part that you push through a buttonhole. A 'Reißverschluss' consists of two rows of teeth and a slider that you pull up or down. Learners may confuse the words because both appear on jackets, trousers, or bags. If you press something or push it through a hole, it is a Knopf. If you pull a slider, it is a Reißverschluss.
Der Reißverschluss meiner Jacke klemmt schon wieder.
The zipper on my jacket is stuck again.
An meinem Hemd fehlt ein Knopf.
A button is missing from my shirt.