At the clothing shop
Im Kleidungsgeschäft
- Describe everyday clothing.
- Ask for availability in a clothing shop.
- Ask for your size.
- modal verbs
In this A1 lesson, learn essential modal verbs like "können" and "müssen" to express wishes and permissions at the clothing shop, while mastering key vocabulary such as das Hemd (shirt), die Jacke (jacket), and anprobieren (to try on).
Vocabulary (22) Share Copied!
Exercises Share Copied!
These exercises can be done together during conversation lessons or as homework.
Exercise 1: Reorder sentences
Instruction: Make correct sentences and translate.
Exercise 2: Match a word
Instruction: Match the translations
Exercise 3: Cluster the words
Instruction: Arrange the following words into the two categories "Clothing Items" and "Actions in the Clothing Store" to communicate well in the store.
Kleidungsstücke
Handlungen im Kleidungsgeschäft
Exercise 4: Translate and use in a sentence
Instruction: Pick a word, translated and use the word in a sentence or dialogue.
1
Die Größe
The size
2
Die Hose
The trousers
3
Der Gürtel
The belt
4
Die Bluse
The blouse
5
Der Anzug
The suit
Übung 5: Conversation exercise
Anleitung:
- Say who is wearing what. (Say who is wearing what. )
- What other clothing items do you know? (What other clothing items do you know?)
- Describe the clothes of the person next to you. (Describe the clothes of the person next to you.)
Teaching guidelines +/- 10 minutes
Example phrases:
|
Er trägt Handschuhe. He is wearing gloves. |
|
Sie trägt einen Gürtel. She is wearing a belt. |
|
Als weiteres Kleidungsstück kenne ich "Kleid". As another clothing item I know "dress". |
|
Petra trägt eine Hose und einen Pullover. Petra is wearing trousers and a jumper. |
|
Sie trägt Stiefel. She is wearing boots. |
|
Meine Mutter trägt eine Brille. My mother is wearing glasses. |
|
Was trägst du heute? What are you wearing today? |
| ... |
Exercise 6: Dialogue Cards
Instruction: Select a situation and practice the conversation with your teacher or fellow students.
Exercise 7: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. Ich ____ einen blauen Pullover für den Winter.
(I ____ a blue sweater for the winter.)2. ____ du mir die Größe von dem Hemd sagen?
(____ you tell me the size of the shirt?)3. Ich ____ heute eine bequeme Hose und ein T-Shirt.
(I ____ comfortable pants and a T-shirt today.)4. ____ Sie die Jacke anprobieren?
(____ you like to try on the jacket?)Exercise 8: In the Clothing Store
Instruction:
Verb Tables
Suchen - To look for
Präsens
- ich suche
- du suchst
- er/sie/es sucht
- wir suchen
- ihr sucht
- sie/Sie suchen
Tragen - To wear
Präsens
- ich trage
- du trägst
- er/sie/es trägt
- wir tragen
- ihr tragt
- sie/Sie tragen
Fragen - To ask
Präsens
- ich frage
- du fragst
- er/sie/es fragt
- wir fragen
- ihr fragt
- sie/Sie fragen
Brauchen - To need
Präsens
- ich brauche
- du brauchst
- er/sie/es braucht
- wir brauchen
- ihr braucht
- sie/Sie brauchen
Können - To be able to
Präsens
- ich kann
- du kannst
- er/sie/es kann
- wir können
- ihr könnt
- sie/Sie können
Helfen - To help
Präsens
- ich helfe
- du hilfst
- er/sie/es hilft
- wir helfen
- ihr helft
- sie/Sie helfen
Exercise 9: Modalverben
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Grammar: Modal verbs
Show translation Show answerskann, trinken, sein, kochen, kannst, singen, helfen, möchten, soll, müsst, gehen, könnt, ausziehen, tragen
Grammar Share Copied!
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Verb conjugation tables for this lesson Share Copied!
Suchen to search Share Copied!
prasens
| German | English |
|---|---|
| (ich) suche | I search |
| (du) suchst | you search |
| (er/sie/es) sucht | he/she/it searches |
| (wir) suchen | we search |
| (ihr) sucht | you search |
| (sie) suchen | they search |
Tragen to wear Share Copied!
prasens
| German | English |
|---|---|
| (ich) trage | I wear |
| (du) trägst | you wear |
| (er/sie/es) trägt | he/she/it wears |
| (wir) tragen | we wear |
| (ihr) tragt | you wear |
| (sie) tragen | they wear |
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At the Clothing Shop: Learning Modal Verbs and Useful Expressions
This lesson focuses on practical German vocabulary and grammar needed for shopping at a clothing store, suitable for beginners (A1 level). You will learn how to ask for sizes, express wishes, and talk about clothing items and actions you perform while shopping.
Key Vocabulary: Clothing Items and Actions
Understanding common clothing vocabulary helps you communicate clearly. Here are some essential words for clothes and in-store actions:
- Kleidungsstücke (Clothing items): das Hemd (shirt), das Kleid (dress), der Anzug (suit), die Jacke (jacket), die Hose (pants)
- Handlungen im Kleidungsgeschäft (Actions in the clothing store): anziehen (to put on), ausziehen (to take off), tragen (to wear)
Using Modal Verbs to Express Wishes and Requests
Modal verbs like können (can), müssen (must), möchten (would like), and sollen (should) are crucial when shopping. They allow you to ask politely for help or state your preferences. Examples include:
- Kann ich dieses Kleid in Größe M anprobieren? (Can I try on this dress in size M?)
- Ich möchte eine blaue Jacke kaufen. (I would like to buy a blue jacket.)
- Muss ich hier eine Maske tragen, wenn ich einkaufe? (Do I have to wear a mask when I shop here?)
Common Phrases for Conversation
Practice these dialogues to confidently interact at a clothing shop:
- Asking about availability:
Guten Tag, haben Sie diese Jacke in Größe M? - Discussing sizes and preferences:
Können Sie mir helfen? Ich suche eine Hose in Größe 38. - Using modal verbs to express needs:
Ich möchte diese Schuhe kaufen. Haben Sie sie in Größe 42?
Verb Conjugations and Practice
Familiarize yourself with present tense conjugations of important verbs such as suchen (to look for), tragen (to wear), fragen (to ask), brauchen (to need), können (can), and helfen (to help). Practicing these will improve your fluency when speaking about shopping activities.
Note on Differences Between English and German
German modal verbs are often used to politely express wishes or necessities, especially in shopping contexts. For example, möchten translates as "would like" rather than simply "want," which softens the request. The verb placement in sentences may differ from English; modal verbs typically appear second, while the main verb goes to the end. Also, clothing items in German have grammatical gender which affects articles: das Hemd (neuter), die Jacke (feminine).
Useful phrases include:
Kann ich ... anprobieren? – Can I try on ...?
Haben Sie ... in Größe ...? – Do you have ... in size ...?
Ich möchte ... kaufen. – I would like to buy ...
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