robe / gown
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robe
A long, loose, and often black official gown worn by judges, lawyers, prosecutors, or also university professors on official occasions.
Der Richter zog vor der Verhandlung seine Robe an.
The judge put on his robe before the hearing.
You can tell from the context whether the official gown or the evening dress is meant. In connection with professions like judge or lawyer and places like courts, it refers to the official gown. At formal occasions like balls or galas, it means the elegant dress.
Der Staatsanwalt trat in seiner Robe vor das Gericht.
The prosecutor appeared before the court in his robe.
In a legal or academic context, 'Robe' (robe) is often used with the verbs 'tragen' (to wear) or 'anlegen' (to put on). For example, people speak of the 'richterliche Robe' (judge's robe).
In vielen Ländern ist es Pflicht, dass Anwälte vor Gericht eine Robe tragen.
In many countries, lawyers are required to wear a robe in court.
When 'Robe' (gown) means an evening dress, it is often accompanied by adjectives that describe elegance and luxury. Typical examples are 'eine elegante Robe' (an elegant gown), 'eine festliche Robe' (a formal gown), or 'eine atemberaubende Robe' (a breathtaking gown).
Für die Hochzeit hat sie sich eine maßgeschneiderte Robe anfertigen lassen.
She had a custom-made gown made for the wedding.
dress
'das Kleid' and 'die Robe' can both refer to a piece of clothing that looks like a long dress. However, 'Kleid' is much more general and fits everyday life, work, or celebrations. 'Robe' is used only in special contexts: as a very elegant, long evening gown or as an official robe, for example for judges. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Robe' sometimes looks like a 'Kleid'. In practice: for normal clothing, say 'Kleid'; for very formal or official clothing, 'Robe' is more appropriate.
Die Richterin betritt den Saal in einer schwarzen Robe.
The judge enters the courtroom in a black robe.
Vor dem Bewerbungsgespräch legt Anna ein schwarzes Kleid bereit.
Before the job interview, Anna lays out a black dress.