Reißverschluss
The German word for "zipper" is Reißverschluss.
Reißverschluss refers to a device used to fasten two edges of fabric together by sliding a tab.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of reißen (to tear or rip) and Verschluss (closure or fastening).
How does it change in a sentence?
Reißverschluss is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Reißverschlüsse. When the word is the direct object of a sentence, it takes the accusative masculine article den, such as in den Reißverschluss.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which uses the word 'zip' as both a noun and a verb, German requires different words for the object Reißverschluss and the action of zipping.
- Because Verschluss is a masculine noun, you must use 'der' or 'den' correctly, but if you use the diminutive 'Reißverschlösschen', it becomes a neuter noun.
- German distinguishes between a Reißverschluss and a Klettverschluss, the latter being the word for 'Velcro' or a hook-and-loop fastener.
Examples in context
- Dein Reißverschluss ist offen.Your zipper is open.This sentence is useful for noting that a Reißverschluss is open.Tatoeba #1849047 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1848937 by Spamster
- Der Reißverschluss steckt fest.The zipper is stuck.This sentence is useful for describing a Reißverschluss that is stuck.Tatoeba #3097495 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1848936 by Spamster
- Mein Reißverschluss steckt fest.My zipper is stuck.Tatoeba #10254318 by wolfgangth, translation #9706254 by DJ_Saidez
- Kannst du bitte den Reißverschluss meiner Jacke schließen?Can you please zip up my jacket?
- Dieser Rucksack hat einen kaputten Verschluss.This backpack has a broken zipper/fastener.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are getting ready to go outside in the cold.
- LukasIst mein Reißverschluss zu?Is my zipper closed?
- SarahJa, er ist ganz zu.Yes, it is completely closed.
- LukasDanke, Sarah.Thanks, Sarah.
- SarahGerne, Lukas.You're welcome, Lukas.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
