01
das Schuhwerk
footwear
A collective term for all types of shoes, boots, and other coverings for the feet.
example
Für die Bergwanderung benötigen Sie festes Schuhwerk.
For the mountain hike, you need sturdy footwear.
das Schuhwerk
footwear
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is made up of 'Schuh' (shoe) and 'Werk' (work/material). The ending '-werk' is used here, as in 'Machwerk' or 'Blattwerk', as a collective term and describes a whole group of things.
EXAMPLE
Im Museum wird historisches Schuhwerk aus verschiedenen Epochen ausgestellt.
Historical footwear from different eras is displayed in the museum.
Use in the singular
'Schuhwerk' (footwear) is a collective term and is used almost exclusively in the singular. There is no commonly used plural form.
EXAMPLE
Bitte legen Sie Ihr nasses Schuhwerk vor der Tür ab.
Please leave your wet footwear by the door.
Register and style
The word 'Schuhwerk' (footwear) sounds more formal and technical than the everyday word 'Schuhe' (shoes). It is often used in instructions, shops, or official recommendations.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Tätigkeit ist geschlossenes Schuhwerk vorgeschrieben.
Closed footwear is required for this activity.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives used with 'Schuhwerk' (footwear) are 'festes' (sturdy), 'passendes' (suitable/properly fitting), 'geeignetes' (appropriate), or 'offenes' (open) footwear.
EXAMPLE
Achten Sie bei der Auswahl Ihrer Laufschuhe auf passendes Schuhwerk.
When choosing your running shoes, make sure you have suitable footwear.
Compare with
Schuhwerk vs Schuh
shoe
'Schuh' and 'Schuhwerk' both refer to things you wear on your feet. 'Schuh' usually means a single pair or a specific type of shoe. 'Schuhwerk' is a collective term and generally means shoes, boots, and similar footwear. In everyday language, people usually say 'Schuhe'. 'Schuhwerk' sounds a bit more formal and fits well when talking about suitable equipment or clothing in general.
Schuhwerk
Für die Wanderung ist festes Schuhwerk besonders wichtig.
Sturdy footwear is especially important for the hike.
Schuh
Sie hat heute im Zug bemerkt, dass ihr rechter Schuh drückt.
Today on the train, she noticed that her right shoe was pinching.
In real life
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