01
das Revers
lapel
The folded-back, upper front part of a suit jacket, coat, or jacket.
example
Er trug eine kleine Blume am Revers seines Anzugs.
He wore a small flower on the lapel of his suit.
das Revers
lapel / written undertaking
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Revers' is a loanword from French. This explains the spelling and pronunciation, which are unusual for German words.
EXAMPLE
Das Revers dieses Mantels ist aus Samt gefertigt.
The lapel of this coat is made of velvet.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about clothing such as 'Sakko' (suit jacket), 'Anzug' (suit), or 'Mantel' (coat), it means the lapel. If the topic is legal or diplomatic documents and verbs like 'unterschreiben' (to sign), the rare meaning of a written undertaking is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er steckte sich eine Nelke ans Revers.
He pinned a carnation to his lapel.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'Revers' (lapel) is often used with the preposition 'an' or 'am' (an dem). Typical adjectives are 'breit' (wide) or 'schmal' (narrow).
EXAMPLE
Die Mode der 70er Jahre war bekannt für breite Revers.
The fashion of the 1970s was known for wide lapels.
Register and style
The meaning as a written obligation is very rare and belongs to elevated official or legal language. In normal everyday life, you will hardly ever encounter this meaning.
EXAMPLE
In dem historischen Dokument fand sich ein Revers des Adeligen.
A written undertaking by the nobleman was found in the historical document.
Compare with
Revers vs Kragen
collar
'der Kragen' and 'das Revers' both belong to clothing in the neck and chest area. 'Kragen' means the part of a shirt, coat, or jacket that sits directly at the neck or frames it. 'Revers' means the folded-back upper front part of a jacket, coat, or especially a suit jacket. The words can be confused because both are at the top of a piece of clothing. As a practical rule: the 'Kragen' is at the neck; the 'Revers' lies at the front of a suit jacket.
Revers
An seinem Revers steckt eine kleine Blume.
There is a small flower pinned to his lapel.
Kragen
Der Kragen meines Hemdes ist zu eng.
The collar of my shirt is too tight.
In real life
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