In 15 Seconds
- The act of selecting an outfit to wear.
- Commonly used for morning routines and shopping.
- Uses a separable verb: 'aus' goes to the end.
Meaning
The process of picking out or selecting which clothes to wear or buy from a set of options.
Key Examples
3 of 6Morning routine
Jeden Morgen brauche ich zehn Minuten, um meine Kleidung auszuwählen.
Every morning I need ten minutes to choose my clothes.
Shopping with a friend
Kannst du mir helfen, die richtige Kleidung für das Vorstellungsgespräch auszuwählen?
Can you help me choose the right clothes for the job interview?
At a formal clothing store
Bitte wählen Sie die Kleidung sorgfältig aus, da wir keine Rückgaben akzeptieren.
Please choose the clothing carefully, as we do not accept returns.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Sonntagskleidung' (Sunday clothes) is still present in older generations, where specific, better clothing is selected for church or family gatherings. In formal balls (like the Vienna Opera Ball), the 'selection' of clothing is strictly regulated by dress codes (White Tie/Black Tie). Practicality is king. Selecting clothes for the 'Zwiebelprinzip' (onion principle/layering) is a national skill due to changing mountain weather. The 'selection' of all-black outfits is a hallmark of the techno scene, often used to gain entry into exclusive clubs like Berghain.
Use 'aussuchen' for friends
While 'auswählen' is correct, using 'aussuchen' in casual conversation makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Prefix position
Always remember to kick the 'aus' to the end of the sentence unless you have a modal verb.
In 15 Seconds
- The act of selecting an outfit to wear.
- Commonly used for morning routines and shopping.
- Uses a separable verb: 'aus' goes to the end.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing in front of your closet. You are looking at your shirts and pants. You are deciding what matches and what fits the weather. That is Kleidung auswählen. It is the mental process of selection. It is not just about the physical act of getting dressed. It is about the choice you make. It works for your morning routine. It also works when you are at a store shopping for something new.
How To Use It
This phrase uses a separable verb, auswählen. This can be a bit tricky for beginners. In a simple sentence, the aus part flies to the very end. You would say, Ich wähle meine Kleidung aus. However, if you use a helper verb like 'must' or 'want', it stays together. For example, Ich muss meine Kleidung auswählen. Keep it simple and direct. You can use it with friends or at work. It is a very safe, neutral phrase that fits everywhere.
When To Use It
Use it whenever the act of selecting is the main point. Are you going to a fancy wedding? You need to Kleidung auswählen. Are you preparing for a hike in the Alps? You need to Kleidung auswählen. It is perfect for describing your morning habits. You can also use it when helping a friend shop. 'Can you help me choose?' becomes Hilfst du mir, Kleidung auszuwählen? It is a staple of daily life conversations.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are already in the physical act of putting the clothes on your body. For that, you should use sich anziehen. If you are just 'looking' at clothes in a window without the intent to pick one, use anschauen. Also, do not use it for choosing a life partner or a career! It is specifically for items, objects, or options. If you are with very close friends, auswählen might sound a tiny bit stiff. In that case, the casual version is better.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for being practical and prepared. There is a popular saying: 'There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.' This makes Kleidung auswählen a serious daily task! Most Germans check the weather app before opening their closet. They often choose layers to be ready for anything. This is called the Zwiebelprinzip or 'onion principle.' In Germany, choosing the right functional jacket is practically a national sport.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more like a local in a coffee shop, use Klamotten aussuchen. Klamotten is the casual word for clothes, like 'gear' or 'threads.' Aussuchen is the informal cousin of auswählen. In a very high-end fashion boutique, you might hear eine Garderobe zusammenstellen. This sounds like you are a professional stylist. But for 90% of your daily life, Kleidung auswählen is the perfect middle ground.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation. The main grammatical hurdle is the separable verb 'auswählen'. In spoken German, 'aussuchen' is often preferred for its slightly more relaxed feel.
Use 'aussuchen' for friends
While 'auswählen' is correct, using 'aussuchen' in casual conversation makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Prefix position
Always remember to kick the 'aus' to the end of the sentence unless you have a modal verb.
Dress for the weather
Germans value being prepared. If you say you are 'selecting clothes', people might assume you are checking the weather forecast first.
Examples
6Jeden Morgen brauche ich zehn Minuten, um meine Kleidung auszuwählen.
Every morning I need ten minutes to choose my clothes.
A standard daily use of the phrase.
Kannst du mir helfen, die richtige Kleidung für das Vorstellungsgespräch auszuwählen?
Can you help me choose the right clothes for the job interview?
Using the phrase for a specific purpose/event.
Bitte wählen Sie die Kleidung sorgfältig aus, da wir keine Rückgaben akzeptieren.
Please choose the clothing carefully, as we do not accept returns.
A more formal instruction from a shop assistant.
Ich bin spät dran, ich muss noch schnell meine Kleidung auswählen!
I'm running late, I still have to quickly pick out my clothes!
Common excuse for being tardy.
Mein Hund hilft mir immer, meine Kleidung auszuwählen, indem er auf meinen Socken schläft.
My dog always helps me choose my clothes by sleeping on my socks.
A lighthearted way to use the phrase.
Sie war nervös und wählte stundenlang ihre Kleidung aus.
She was nervous and spent hours choosing her clothes.
Describes the emotional weight of a choice.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the separable verb 'auswählen' in the present tense.
Ich _______ heute meine rote Hose _______.
In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Which one uses the correct article and noun form?
'Kleidung' is feminine and usually singular.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum stehst du vor dem Schrank? B: Ich muss noch ________________.
Standing in front of a closet implies the process of choosing.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a clothing store and the clerk asks if you need help.
Shopping involves selection, not washing or (usually) immediate dressing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Auswählen vs. Anziehen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch _______ heute meine rote Hose _______.
In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' goes to the end.
Which one uses the correct article and noun form?
'Kleidung' is feminine and usually singular.
A: Warum stehst du vor dem Schrank? B: Ich muss noch ________________.
Standing in front of a closet implies the process of choosing.
You are at a clothing store and the clerk asks if you need help.
Shopping involves selection, not washing or (usually) immediate dressing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'Kleider' specifically means 'dresses' or 'garments' in a more plural, individual sense. 'Kleidung' is the general collective term for 'clothing'.
No, you can 'auswählen' anything from a group: a movie, a meal, or a candidate. But with clothes, it's a very common collocation.
'Wählen' is often used for voting or choosing between two distinct options. 'Auswählen' implies selecting from a larger variety or assortment.
Ich habe einen {der|m} Anzug ausgewählt.
In 99% of cases, yes. The plural 'Kleidungen' exists but is almost never used in modern German.
Absolutely! 'Ich wähle {die|f} Kleidung für meinen Avatar aus' is perfectly natural.
You could use 'Garderobe' or 'Bekleidung', but 'Kleidung' is already quite standard and acceptable in formal contexts.
Not necessarily. It just means you've made a choice. You could select clothes from your own closet without buying anything.
Ich habe Schwierigkeiten, {die|f} Kleidung auszuwählen.
Yes, 'Klamotten checken' or 'was zum Anziehen klarmachen'.
Related Phrases
Sich anziehen
builds onTo get dressed
Etwas aussuchen
synonymTo pick something out
Ein Outfit zusammenstellen
similarTo put an outfit together
Kleidung anprobieren
similarTo try on clothes
