01
der Schuh
shoe
Footwear that protects and supports the foot and usually consists of a sole and an upper part.
example
Dieser Schuh drückt mich am kleinen Zeh.
This shoe pinches my little toe.
der Schuh
shoe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
In compound words
The word 'Schuh' (shoe) is the basis for many specific types of shoes. Examples are 'der Hausschuh' (slipper), 'der Sportschuh' (sports shoe), 'der Wanderschuh' (hiking boot), or 'der Stiefel' (boot, as a type of high shoe).
EXAMPLE
Für die Bergtour brauchst du feste Wanderschuhe.
For the mountain hike, you need sturdy hiking boots.
Typical verbs
In everyday language, 'Schuh' (shoe) is often combined with certain verbs. The most important are: 'Schuhe anziehen' (to put on shoes), 'Schuhe ausziehen' (to take off shoes), and 'Schuhe zubinden' (to tie shoes).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du dir schon alleine die Schuhe zubinden?
Can you already tie your shoes by yourself?
Structure of the idiom
The idiom 'sich den Schuh anziehen' (to take it personally) is reflexive. The person who feels addressed appears with a reflexive pronoun in the dative: 'Ich ziehe mir den Schuh an.' (I'm taking it personally.)
EXAMPLE
Der Chef kritisierte Faulheit, aber nur mein Kollege zog sich den Schuh an.
The boss criticized laziness, but only my colleague took it personally.
Compare with
Schuh vs Stiefel
boot
'Schuh' and 'Stiefel' both refer to something you wear on your foot. 'Schuh' is the general expression for footwear. A 'Stiefel' is a special type of shoe: it has a high shaft and reaches at least above the ankle. That is why boots are often worn in rain, snow, cold weather, or with certain clothing. The words can be confused because every boot is also a shoe, but not every shoe is a boot. If the footwear is low-cut, you normally say 'Schuh'. If it partly covers the leg, 'Stiefel' is more precise.
Schuh
In der Pause putzt Max seinen Schuh, weil er im Matsch war.
During the break, Max cleans his shoe because it had been in the mud.
Stiefel
Für den Spaziergang im Schnee zieht Herr Hoffmann warme Stiefel an.
For the walk in the snow, Mr. Hoffmann puts on warm boots.
In real life
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