Unterwäsche
/ˈʊntɐvɛʃə/feminine
The German word for "underwear" is Unterwäsche.
Unterwäsche refers to clothes worn next to the skin. To be more specific, you can use Die Damenunterwäsche for women's underwear or Die Herrenunterwäsche for men's underwear.
Meaning: clothes worn next to the skin (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of unter (under) and Wäsche (laundry/wash/linen).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Unterwäsche is the standard term. For a more formal or technical context, you can use Unterkleidung. In colloquial speech, people may use the more informal term Unterzeug.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unterwäsche is a feminine singular mass noun, which means it is used in the singular and does not have a plural form in standard usage.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊntɐvɛʃə/
Did you know?
- The concept of 'underwear' in German can sometimes overlap with the word for 'linens' used in a household, such as bed sheets or towels, due to the root Wäsche.
- Because Unterwäsche is a mass noun, you cannot pluralize it to talk about different sets of underwear. To count them, Germans must use a 'counter word' like ein Set or ein Stück.
- In German shopping culture, you will often see signs for Wäsche in department stores, which encompasses everything from bras and briefs to pajamas and nightgowns.
Examples in context
- Tom war in Unterwäsche.Tom was in his underwear.This sentence shows how to describe someone being dressed in Unterwäsche.Tatoeba #11542290 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1867756 by CK
- Du trägst keine Unterwäsche?You're not wearing any underwear?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is wearing Unterwäsche.Tatoeba #12668477 by Waldelfe, translation #11888796 by Amastan
- Er läuft in Unterwäsche herum.He's walking around in his underwear.This sentence illustrates the action of walking around in Unterwäsche.Tatoeba #1690634 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1690589 by Spamster
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie Unterwäsche?Excuse me, do you have underwear?
- Ich suche Damenunterwäsche.I'm looking for women's underwear.
- Wo hast du deine Unterhosen gekauft?Where did you buy your underpants?
- Meine Lieblingsunterwäsche ist von einer bekannten Marke.My favorite underwear is from a well-known brand.
- Hast du meine Slips gesehen?Have you seen my panties?
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is packing for a trip.
- HannahHast du genug Unterwäsche eingepackt?Did you pack enough underwear?
- MaximilianJa, ich habe alles in den Koffer gelegt.Yes, I put everything in the suitcase.
- HannahVergiss bitte deine Socken nicht.Please don't forget your socks.
- MaximilianKeine Sorge, ich habe an alles gedacht.Don't worry, I thought of everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underwear” translations and entries Unterwäsche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
