Dirndl
/ˈdɪrndl̩/neuter
The German word Dirndl refers to a traditional Alpine woman’s dress.
A Dirndl is a specific type of Trachtenkleid, which means a traditional costume dress.
Meaning: traditional Alpine woman’s dress (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Dirndl refers to clothing specifically associated with the Alpine regions of Southern Germany and Austria.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Dirndl is neuter, so it takes the neuter article das (e.g., das Dirndl).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɪrndl̩/
Did you know?
- The position of the bow on a Dirndl apron can signal a woman's relationship status. A bow tied on the left means she is single, while a bow on the right indicates she is married or taken.
- The name may have roots in the Old High German word 'tirnboum', which is thought to be a loanword from Proto-Slavic for 'dogwood'.
- While now a symbol of tradition, the Dirndl was originally a servant's dress. It was adopted as high fashion by the urban upper classes in the late 19th century to romanticize rural life.
Examples in context
- Ein Dirndl ist ein Trachtenkleid, das in Süddeutschland und Österreich getragen wird.Dirndl is a type of traditional dress that is worn in Southern Germany and Austria.This sentence is useful for identifying the specific type of traditional dress used in Southern Germany and Austria.Tatoeba #2582480 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2582197 by Hybrid
- Ich trage ein Dirndl auf der Hochzeitsfeier meiner Freundin.I am wearing a dirndl to my friend's wedding.
- Meine Schwester hat ein wunderschönes, traditionelles Dirndl.My sister has a beautiful traditional dirndl.
- Wo hast du dein Dirndl gekauft?Where did you buy your dirndl?
- Das Dirndl ist sehr schön.The dirndl is very beautiful.
- Sie trägt heute ein blaues Dirndl.She is wearing a blue dirndl today.
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are at a traditional Bavarian festival.
- FelixDein Dirndl steht dir ausgezeichnet, Laura!Your dirndl looks excellent on you, Laura!
- LauraVielen Dank, Felix!Thank you very much, Felix!
- FelixWo hast du das Dirndl gekauft?Where did you buy the dirndl?
- LauraIn einem kleinen Geschäft im Dorf.In a small shop in the village.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dirndl” translations and entries Dirndl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dirndl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
