01
der Stiefel
boot
A shoe whose shaft reaches above the ankle and partly or fully covers the leg.
example
Für die Wanderung im Schnee brauchst du warme Stiefel.
For the hike in the snow, you need warm boots.
der Stiefel
boot
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Stiefel' (boot) depends heavily on context. Most of the time it is a shoe. In the colloquial expression 'einen Stiefel...' with verbs like 'spielen' (to play) or 'reden' (to talk), however, it means 'nonsense' or 'poor quality'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine neuen Stiefel geputzt.
He cleaned his new boots.
Compound words
'Stiefel' (boot) is the base word for many types of shoes. Typical compounds are 'Gummistiefel' (rubber boots), 'Winterstiefel' (winter boots), 'Wanderstiefel' (hiking boots), or 'Reitstiefel' (riding boots).
EXAMPLE
Bei Regenwetter ziehe ich immer meine Gummistiefel an.
In rainy weather, I always put on my rubber boots.
Register and style
The expression 'einen Stiefel zusammenspielen' (to play terribly / play a load of rubbish) or 'einen Stiefel reden' (to talk nonsense) is very colloquial. It is used to evaluate a performance or statement very negatively.
EXAMPLE
Die Band hat gestern Abend einen ziemlichen Stiefel gespielt.
The band played pretty terribly last night.
Cultural context
Because of its geographical shape, Italy is often colloquially referred to in German as 'der Stiefel' (the boot).
EXAMPLE
Wir machen dieses Jahr Urlaub auf dem italienischen Stiefel.
We're vacationing on the Italian boot this year.
Compare with
Stiefel vs Schuh
shoe
'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.
Stiefel
Für den Spaziergang im Schnee zieht Herr Hoffmann warme Stiefel an.
For the walk in the snow, Mr. Hoffmann puts on warm boots.
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.
In real life
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