Strickjacke
/ˈʃtʁɪkˌjakə/feminine
The English word 'cardigan' can be translated into German as Strickjacke or Cardigan.
Meaning: type of sweater (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Strickjacke | /ˈʃtʁɪkˌjakə/ | feminine |
| Cardigan | /ˈkaʁd̪iɡan/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to a type of sweater.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Strickjacke is a compound word consisting of stricken (knitted) and Jacke (jacket).
Which one should you use?
Strickjacke is the standard, native German term, whereas Cardigan is a loanword from English. These two forms also differ in gender: Strickjacke is feminine, while the loanword Cardigan is masculine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Strickjacke is Strickjacken, and the plural of the loanword Cardigan is Cardigans.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtʁɪkˌjakə/
Did you know?
- While Strickjacke describes any knitted jacket, German has a specific word Pullunder for a sleeveless cardigan or sweater vest, which is not simply a 'small' Strickjacke.
- In fashion contexts, Germans might use Cardigan to imply a more modern or professional 'chic' look, whereas Strickjacke often evokes images of grandmothers and home-knitting.
- The term Strickjacke literally translates to 'knit jacket', reflecting the German tendency to view open-front sweaters as a type of jacket rather than a top.
Examples in context
- An dieser Strickjacke gefällt mir das Rentiermuster.I like the reindeer pattern on this cardigan.This sentence is useful for talking about a reindeer pattern on a Strickjacke.Tatoeba #12350439 by Yorwba, translation #12529578 by sundown
- Jennifer trägt eine rote Strickjacke.Jennifer is wearing a red cardigan.This sentence is useful for describing someone wearing a red Strickjacke.Tatoeba #1300432 by cumori, translation #11035554 by sundown
- Der Vorteil einer Strickjacke ist, dass man sie nicht über den Kopf ziehen muss.The advantage of a cardigan is that you don't have to pull it over your head.This sentence highlights the advantage of a Strickjacke not needing to be pulled over the head.Tatoeba #8860379 by mramosch, translation #8860371 by AlanF_US
- Ich habe gestern meine Strickjacke verloren.I lost my cardigan yesterday.
- Paul trägt immer einen Cardi zur Arbeit.Paul always wears a cardigan to work.
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are shopping for clothes in a boutique.
- SarahSchau mal, diese Strickjacke ist toll!Look, this cardigan is great!
- MaximilianJa, sie steht dir sehr gut, Sarah.Yes, it suits you very well, Sarah.
- SarahMeinst du, die Farbe passt zu mir?Do you think the color suits me?
- MaximilianAbsolut, sie sieht sehr elegant aus.Absolutely, it looks very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cardigan” translations and entries Strickjacke, Cardigan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
