Socke
/ˈzɔkə/feminine
The German word for sock is Socke. Wiktionary also lists Strumpf.
Meaning: covering for the foot (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Socke | /ˈzɔkə/ (Germany) /ˈsɔkɛ/ |
feminine |
| Strumpf | /ʃtʁʊm(p)f/ | masculine |
The term refers to a covering for the foot. The noun Socke is feminine and is used with the definite article die.
Which one should you use?
Socke is used to refer to a standard sock, whereas Strumpf is used for longer stockings or more formal hosiery.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Both Socke and its plural Socken are used throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Socke is Socken. The plural of Strumpf is Strümpfe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɔkə/
Did you know?
- The word Socke is used in the colloquial expression alte Socke, meaning 'old sock'. This is a friendly and affectionate way to refer to an old friend, similar to calling someone an 'old timer'.
- The word Strumpf actually comes from a word meaning 'stem' or 'stalk'. It refers to the 'stump' or the remaining part of an old garment after the trousers were separated from the leg coverings.
- The word Socke can be used as a slang term for a person, often implying they are a 'character' or slightly unreliable. Calling someone eine Socke suggests they are a bit of a rogue.
Examples in context
- Mir fehlt eine Socke.I'm missing a sock.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are missing a single Socke.Tatoeba #4486460 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1891025 by CK
- Tom hob die Socke auf.Tom picked up the sock.This sentence is useful for describing the action of picking up a Socke.Tatoeba #9935413 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9889431 by Hybrid
- Wo ist die andere Socke?Where is the mate to this sock?This sentence is useful for asking about the mate to a Socke.Tatoeba #2061237 by Manfredo, translation #59569 by CM
- Ich trage gerne schöne Socken zu meiner Anzughose.I like to wear nice socks with my suit pants.
- Eine Socke fehlt in der Wäscheladung.A sock is missing in the laundry load.
- Hast du meine Socken gesehen?Have you seen my socks?
- Kannst du mir eine Socke leihen?Can you lend me a sock?
- Ich muss neue Socken kaufen.I need to buy new socks.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are getting ready for a walk.
- MaximilianJulia, ist das deine Socke?Julia, is that your sock?
- JuliaNein, meine Socke ist blau.No, my sock is blue.
- MaximilianIch finde meine Socke nicht.I can't find my sock.
- JuliaSchau mal unter dem Bett nach.Look under the bed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sock” translations and entries Socke, Strumpf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Socke, Strumpf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
