Schlüpfer
/ˈʃlʏpfɐ/
The German word for knickers is Schlüpfer.
Schlüpfer is a term used primarily to refer to women's undergarments. For a more general and neutral term that applies to both men's and women's undergarments, you can use Unterhose.
Meaning: woman's panties (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Schlüpfer specifically denotes women's panties, the term Unterwäsche is more general and neutral, referring to underwear in a broad sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Schlüpfer is a colloquial term. In more neutral or general contexts, Unterwäsche is often more appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Schlüpfer is used as a plural noun to mean 'panties' or 'knickers'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃlʏpfɐ/
Did you know?
- In German, the word schlüpfen is also the specific verb used to describe a baby hatching from an egg.
- The word Schlüpfer literally translates to 'one who slips' or 'something that slips on'.
- In certain German dialects, particularly in parts of Bavaria, you might hear the term Schlüpferle as a diminutive form.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte eine Unterhose geben?Excuse me, could you please give me a pair of knickers?
- Können Sie mir bitte einen Schlüpfer in meiner Größe zeigen?Could you please show me a pair of knickers in my size?
- Ich muss noch neue Panties kaufen.I still need to buy new knickers.
- Wo hast du meine Schlüppis versteckt?Where did you hide my knickers?
- Sie hat neue Schlüpfer gekauft.She bought new panties.
- Der Schlüpfer ist aus Baumwolle.The panty is made of cotton.
- Wo sind meine bunten Schlüpfer?Where are my colorful panties?
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are folding laundry together.
- SarahHelfst du mir beim Zusammenlegen?Will you help me with the folding?
- LukasKlar, wo soll ich anfangen?Sure, where should I start?
- SarahLeg bitte die Schlüpfer in die Schublade.Please put the knickers in the drawer.
- LukasAlles klar, mache ich sofort.All right, I'll do it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schlüpfer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schlüpfer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
