die Taille
waist
The narrowest part of the human torso, located between the ribs and the hips.
EXAMPLE
Das Kleid betont ihre schmale Taille.
The dress emphasizes her slim waist.
die Taille
waist
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Meanings
die Taille
waist
The corresponding, usually close-fitting part of a garment located at the level of the body's waist.
EXAMPLE
Die Taille dieser Hose ist mir zu weit.
The waist of these pants is too wide for me.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell from context whether the body part or part of a garment is meant. If people are talking about a person, it refers to the body. If they are talking about a dress, pants, or a skirt, it refers to the corresponding part of the garment.
EXAMPLE
Er legte seinen Arm um ihre Taille.
He put his arm around her waist.
Typical adjectives
When talking about the waist as a body part, adjectives such as 'schmal' (narrow/slim), 'schlank' (slim), or 'breit' (wide) are often used. Verbs such as 'betonen' (to emphasize) or 'haben' (to have) are also common.
EXAMPLE
Sie trainiert viel, um eine schlanke Taille zu bekommen.
She works out a lot to get a slim waist.
Use with clothing
When it comes to clothing, 'Taille' (waist) describes the fit of the garment. People often say that the waist is 'zu eng' (too tight) or 'zu weit' (too wide), or that it needs to be 'angepasst' (altered/adjusted).
EXAMPLE
Der Schneider kann die Taille der Jacke anpassen.
The tailor can adjust the waist of the jacket.
Compare with
Taille vs Bund
federation / waistband / bunch
When referring to clothing, Bund means the actual upper edge of a pair of trousers or a skirt. Taille, by contrast, refers to the usually close-fitting part of a garment at the level of the body's midsection. Use Bund for the edge, and Taille for the garment's shape and fit in this area.
Taille
Die Taille des Kleides sitzt beim Stehen zu locker.
The waist of the dress is too loose when standing.
Bund
Der Bund der Hose drückt beim Sitzen.
The waistband of the trousers digs in when sitting down.
In real life
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