01
die Sandale
sandal
An open shoe, usually worn in summer, consisting of a sole that is fastened to the foot with straps.
example
Für den Strandurlaub habe ich mir neue Sandalen gekauft.
I bought new sandals for my beach vacation.
die Sandale
sandal
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Meanings
Usage tips
Usually plural
Since shoes are normally worn as a pair, this word is very often used in the plural form 'Sandalen' (sandals). People rarely talk about just one single sandal.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer trage ich am liebsten bequeme Sandalen.
In summer, I prefer wearing comfortable sandals.
Typical verbs
The most common verbs used in connection with sandals are 'tragen' (to wear), 'anziehen' (to put on), and 'anhaben' (to have on / be wearing). These describe putting on or wearing the shoes.
EXAMPLE
Zieh dir für den Spaziergang am Strand besser Sandalen an.
You'd better put on sandals for the walk on the beach.
Use in compounds
To describe the type of sandal more precisely, 'Sandale' (sandal) is often used as the second part of a compound word. Examples include 'Ledersandalen' (leather sandals), 'Badesandalen' (pool sandals), or 'Trekkingsandalen' (trekking sandals).
EXAMPLE
Diese Trekkingsandalen sind auch für längere Wanderungen geeignet.
These trekking sandals are also suitable for longer hikes.
Compare with
Sandale vs Schuh
shoe
'Schuh' and 'Sandale' both refer to something you wear on your foot. 'Schuh' is the general term for footwear and can have many forms. 'Sandale' is a specific type of shoe: it is open and is often worn in summer. Learners may confuse the words because a sandal is also a shoe. If the exact type is not important, you say 'Schuh'. If you mean the open summer shoe, 'Sandale' is more precise.
Sandale
Am Abend zieht sie Sandalen an, weil es draußen noch sehr warm ist.
In the evening, she puts on sandals because it is still very warm outside.
Schuh
Im Zug merkt meine Schwester, dass ein Schuh unter den Sitz gerutscht ist.
On the train, my sister notices that one shoe has slipped under the seat.
In real life
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