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B1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

Badehose

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Badehose in 30 Seconds

Explanation Badehose in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that a 'Badehose' is what a man wears to go swimming. It is a feminine word, so you say 'die Badehose'. You should be able to say simple things like 'Ich habe eine Badehose' (I have swim shorts) or 'Meine Badehose ist blau' (My swim shorts are blue). Remember that even though it looks like 'pants' in English, in German it is just one thing, so we use 'ist' (is) not 'sind' (are). You will see this word when you go to the beach or a pool. It is made of two parts: 'Bade' (swimming) and 'Hose' (pants).

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Badehose' in more everyday situations, like shopping or packing for a trip. You will use the accusative case often: 'Ich packe meine Badehose ein' (I am packing my swim shorts). You should also know the plural form 'Badehosen' if you have more than one. You might need to ask for a specific size in a store: 'Haben Sie diese Badehose in Größe M?' (Do you have these swim shorts in size M?). You are starting to see how compound words work in German, where the second part 'Hose' tells you the gender and how to change the word.

At the B1 level, you can use 'Badehose' fluently in conversations about hobbies, vacations, and daily life. You understand that 'Badehose' is the standard term for all men's swimwear. You can handle the dative case: 'Nach dem Schwimmen ist noch viel Wasser in der Badehose' (After swimming, there is still a lot of water in the swim shorts). You also know related words like 'Badeanzug' (swimsuit for women) and can distinguish between them. You are comfortable using separable verbs like 'anziehen' (to put on) and 'ausziehen' (to take off) with this noun in various tenses.

At the B2 level, you understand the cultural nuances of the word 'Badehose'. You know that in some German 'Freibäder' (outdoor pools), there are specific rules about what kind of Badehose is allowed. You can discuss the pros and cons of different materials, like 'schnelltrocknend' (fast-drying) or 'chlorresistent' (chlorine-resistant). You might use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as: 'Obwohl er seine Badehose vergessen hatte, wollte er unbedingt im See schwimmen gehen' (Although he had forgotten his swim shorts, he really wanted to go swimming in the lake). You also recognize the word in idioms or cultural references.

At the C1 level, you can use 'Badehose' in a variety of registers, from casual slang to formal descriptions. You might discuss the history of 'Bademode' (swim fashion) and how the 'Badehose' has changed over the decades. You understand the subtle differences between 'Badehose', 'Badeshorts', and 'Schwimmhose' and can use them precisely. You can also follow complex discussions or texts about textile technology or the environmental impact of synthetic materials used in 'Badehosen'. Your use of the genitive case and complex adjective endings with the word is flawless.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'Badehose' and its context. You can appreciate the word's use in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used metaphorically to represent leisure, vulnerability, or the 'average man'. You are familiar with historical songs or films where the word plays a role, such as 'Pack die Badehose ein'. You can discuss the sociological implications of swimwear in German culture, including the relationship between 'FKK' culture and the mandatory use of the 'Badehose' in other public spaces, with full linguistic precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Badehose in 30 Seconds

Badehose is the German word for men's swim shorts or trunks.
It is a feminine noun (die Badehose) and is used in the singular.
The word is a compound of 'baden' (to swim) and 'Hose' (pants).
It is essential for any beach or pool visit in German-speaking countries.

The German noun Badehose is a compound word formed from the verb baden (to bathe or swim) and the noun Hose (trousers or pants). In its most literal sense, it translates to 'bathing trousers' and refers specifically to the swimwear worn by men and boys. While the English language often differentiates between 'swim trunks,' 'board shorts,' and 'speedos,' the German language frequently uses Badehose as a collective term for all these variations, provided they are designed for male use. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating social situations involving water, which is a significant part of German leisure culture.

Grammatical Gender: The word is feminine: die Badehose. This is because the head of the compound, Hose, is feminine. Even though it is worn by men, the grammatical gender remains feminine.
Cultural Context: In Germany, the Freibad (outdoor pool) culture is a staple of summer. Wearing a Badehose is mandatory in these public spaces, except in designated FKK (Freikörperkultur) zones where nudity is permitted. Interestingly, while some French pools strictly require tight-fitting trunks for hygiene, German pools are generally more relaxed, allowing baggy swim shorts as long as they are proper Badehosen.

Vergiss bitte nicht, deine Badehose einzupacken, bevor wir zum See fahren.

Translation: Please don't forget to pack your swim shorts before we drive to the lake.

The word is used in various registers. In a professional sporting context, one might hear more technical terms like Wettkampfhose, but for 99% of daily interactions, Badehose is the standard. It is also a word that children learn very early on, as swimming lessons (Schwimmunterricht) are often a compulsory part of the primary school curriculum in Germany. When you go to a department store like Karstadt or a sports shop like Decathlon, you will see signs directing you to the Herrenbademode section, where the Badehose is the primary item of interest.

Mein Sohn hat seine Badehose im Schwimmbad liegen lassen.

Translation: My son left his swim shorts at the swimming pool.

Historically, the Badehose has evolved significantly. In the early 20th century, men's swimwear was much more substantial, often covering the torso. As social norms relaxed, the garment shrank to the trunks we recognize today. In the German language, the transition from Badeanzug (which now refers only to women's one-piece suits) to Badehose reflects this historical shift in fashion and modesty. Today, the choice of Badehose—whether it be a tight 'Speedo' style (Badeslip) or a longer 'Shorts' style (Badeshorts)—is a matter of personal preference and functional requirement, such as competitive swimming versus casual sunbathing.

Usage in Retail: When shopping, you might ask: 'Wo finde ich die Badehosen?' (Where do I find the swim shorts?). Sales assistants will then guide you to the men's swimwear section.

Diese Badehose trocknet besonders schnell.

Translation: These swim shorts dry particularly quickly.

In summary, die Badehose is an indispensable term for any male traveler or resident in a German-speaking country. It encompasses a wide range of styles and is used in both casual and formal sporting contexts. Its grammatical femininity despite its masculine usage is a classic example of German linguistic structure where the final component of a compound word determines its gender.

Using Badehose correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun in various cases. Because it is a common object, it often appears in the accusative case (direct object) when you are packing it, buying it, or wearing it. For example, 'Ich kaufe eine Badehose' (I am buying a pair of swim shorts). Here, eine Badehose is in the accusative. If you are talking about the swim shorts as a subject, you would use the nominative: 'Die Badehose ist nass' (The swim shorts are wet).

The Accusative Case: Verbs like haben (to have), suchen (to look for), and einpacken (to pack) require the accusative. 'Hast du eine Badehose?' (Do you have swim shorts?).

Ich muss mir eine neue Badehose kaufen, da meine alte zu klein ist.

Translation: I have to buy myself new swim shorts because my old ones are too small.

When describing the Badehose, adjectives must agree with its feminine gender. In the nominative singular, you would say 'eine blaue Badehose.' In the plural, it becomes 'blaue Badehosen.' Note that in English, 'swim shorts' or 'trunks' are plural nouns, but in German, die Badehose is singular. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers. You have ONE Badehose, whereas you have ONE PAIR of trunks.

Zieh deine Badehose an, wir gehen jetzt ins Wasser!

Translation: Put on your swim shorts, we are going into the water now!

In the dative case, which often follows certain prepositions like mit (with) or in (when indicating location), the article changes to der. For example, 'In der Badehose ist noch Sand' (There is still sand in the swim shorts). This change from die to der can be tricky for learners, but it is essential for B1 level proficiency. Another common usage is with the preposition aus: 'Er ist aus seiner Badehose herausgewachsen' (He has outgrown his swim shorts).

Compound Verbs: Verbs like anziehen (to put on) and ausziehen (to take off) are separable. 'Ich ziehe meine Badehose an.'

Nach dem Schwimmen hängte er seine Badehose zum Trocknen auf den Balkon.

Translation: After swimming, he hung his swim shorts on the balcony to dry.

Finally, the genitive case, though less common in casual speech, is used to show possession: 'Die Farbe der Badehose verblasst durch das Chlor' (The color of the swim shorts is fading because of the chlorine). Understanding these variations allows you to use the word fluently in any context, from a casual beach trip to a detailed discussion about garment quality. Whether you are describing the material, the fit, or the necessity of the item, Badehose follows the standard rules for feminine nouns ending in '-e'.

The word Badehose is ubiquitous in Germany, especially during the warmer months or in environments dedicated to aquatic activities. One of the most common places you will hear it is at a Freibad (outdoor swimming pool). These are cultural institutions in Germany, where families spend entire days. You might hear a mother shouting to her son, 'Hast du deine Badehose gewaschen?' or a lifeguard reminding a teenager, 'In diesem Becken ist eine richtige Badehose Pflicht!' (In this pool, proper swim shorts are mandatory!).

An der Kasse im Freibad fragte der Junge, ob man dort auch eine Badehose leihen kann.

Translation: At the swimming pool ticket counter, the boy asked if one could also rent swim shorts there.

You will also encounter the word frequently in retail environments. In major cities, stores like Globetrotter or SportScheck have massive displays of Badehosen. Here, the language becomes more descriptive. You might hear a customer asking, 'Haben Sie diese Badehose auch in einer größeren Größe?' (Do you have these swim shorts in a larger size?) or 'Ist diese Badehose chlorresistent?' (Are these swim shorts chlorine-resistant?). The word is standard across all of Germany, though regional accents might shift the pronunciation slightly.

In a school setting, Badehose is part of the vocabulary for Sportunterricht (PE class). Teachers will send out checklists for swimming days, and 'Badehose/Badeanzug' will always be listed. In media, you might hear the word in weather reports or lifestyle segments. For instance, a news anchor might say, 'Packen Sie die Badehose ein, es wird ein heißes Wochenende!' (Pack your swim shorts, it's going to be a hot weekend!). This phrase itself is a nod to a famous 1950s song by Cornelia Froboess, 'Pack die Badehose ein,' which remains a nostalgic cultural touchstone in Germany.

Der Trainer sagte, dass wir für das Training eine eng anliegende Badehose tragen sollten.

Translation: The coach said that we should wear tight-fitting swim shorts for the training.

Even in literature or film, the Badehose can be a symbol of leisure or, conversely, vulnerability. A character might be described as standing only in his Badehose, emphasizing a lack of protection or social status. In comedy, the 'too small' or 'lost' Badehose is a recurring trope. Therefore, while it is a simple object, the word carries weight in various social spheres, from the mundane task of laundry to the joyous anticipation of a summer holiday.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is treating Badehose as a plural noun. In English, we say 'My swim shorts are blue,' but in German, you must say 'Meine Badehose ist blau.' Using the plural verb sind with a single Badehose is a dead giveaway that the speaker is translating directly from English. If you actually have multiple pairs, then you can use Badehosen (plural) with sind.

Singular vs. Plural: English: 'These trunks are nice.' (Plural)
German: 'Diese Badehose ist schön.' (Singular)

Meine Badehose sind nass.
Meine Badehose ist nass.

Correction: Use singular 'ist' for one Badehose.

Another common error is confusing the Badehose with the Unterhose (underwear). While they might look similar in some styles (like the brief style), they are culturally and functionally very different. Wearing an Unterhose in a public pool is considered a major 'Fauxpas' and is often prohibited for hygiene reasons. Learners sometimes mix up the prefixes Bade- and Unter-, leading to potentially embarrassing situations when asking for clothes.

Gender confusion is also prevalent. Because a Badehose is worn by men, many learners instinctively want to use the masculine article der. However, as mentioned before, the gender is determined by the word Hose, which is feminine. So, it is always die Badehose. Saying 'mein Badehose' or 'der Badehose' is a common B1-level mistake that can be easily fixed with practice.

Ich habe meinen Badehose vergessen.
Ich habe meine Badehose vergessen.

Correction: Use feminine 'meine' in the accusative.

Lastly, learners sometimes use Badeanzug for men's swimwear. A Badeanzug is specifically a one-piece swimsuit, typically worn by women. For men, the correct term is always Badehose, even if it is a full-body competitive suit (though those are rare in casual conversation). Using the wrong term for the gender of the swimwear can lead to confusion in stores or when talking with friends about your plans for the lake.

While Badehose is the general term, several other words describe specific types of swimwear or related items. Understanding these nuances can help you be more precise in your speech. For example, Badeshorts is a very common loanword used to describe the looser, longer trunks popular among younger men. If you are specifically looking for the tight-fitting, athletic style, you might use the term Badeslip.

Badeshorts: Refers to loose-fitting, knee-length or mid-thigh swim trunks. Very popular for casual swimming and beach activities.
Badeslip: Refers to tight, brief-style swimwear. Often associated with competitive swimming or older generations in Germany.
Badeanzug: A one-piece swimsuit, usually for women. Not to be confused with the Badehose.

Er trägt lieber weite Badeshorts als einen engen Badeslip.

Translation: He prefers wearing wide swim shorts over a tight swim brief.

Another related term is Badebekleidung, which is the formal collective noun for 'swimwear.' You will see this on signs in shopping malls or in official pool regulations. It covers Badehosen, Badeanzüge, and Bikinis. For professional swimmers, the term Schwimmhose might be used, emphasizing the activity of swimming over the more general 'bathing.' If someone is wearing a full neoprene suit for diving or cold-water swimming, that is a Neoprenanzug.

In a humorous or very informal context, you might occasionally hear Bux (Northern German slang for pants) used in a compound like Badebux, but this is regional and not standard German. For learners, sticking to Badehose is always safe. It's also worth noting the word Badekappe (swim cap), which often accompanies the Badehose in professional or hygiene-strict environments. By knowing these alternatives, you can better understand the variety of swimwear options and the specific vocabulary used in different social and regional settings across the German-speaking world.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Wir bitten alle männlichen Badegäste, eine angemessene Badehose zu tragen."

Neutral

"Ich muss meine Badehose noch waschen."

Informal

"Coole Badehose, Alter!"

Child friendly

"Zieh deine Badehose an, wir gehen plantschen!"

Slang

"Geile Badebux hast du da!"

Fun Fact

In the 19th century, men often bathed in the nude in secluded areas. The 'Badehose' became a social necessity as public bathing became more regulated and mixed-gender beaches appeared.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbaːdəˌhoːzə/

US /ˈbɑːdəˌhoʊzə/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Ba'. Secondary stress is on 'ho'.

Rhymes With

Ladehose Gartenhose Plauderhose Wathose Windelhose Unterhose Reithose Kurzhose

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'ee' sound (it should be a schwa).
Making the 'a' too short like in 'bat'.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'hose' as a voiceless 's' (it should be a voiced 'z' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is a simple compound and easy to recognize in texts.

Writing 3/5

Learners must remember the feminine gender and singular usage.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you know the German 'h' and 'z' sounds.

Listening 2/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to hear in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

baden Hose Wasser die anziehen

Learn Next

Badeanzug Handtuch Schwimmbrille Sonnenschirm Strandkorb

Advanced

chlorresistent Funktionstextilien Auftrieb Wasserwiderstand Textiltechnologie

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns Gender

Die Hose (fem) -> Die Badehose (fem). The last part determines the gender.

Singular vs Plural

English 'shorts' is plural, German 'Badehose' is singular. Use 'ist' with one Badehose.

Accusative Case

Ich habe EINE Badehose. (Direct object of 'haben').

Dative Case with 'in'

In DER Badehose ist Sand. (Position/Location).

Separable Verbs

Ich ZIEHE die Badehose AN. (anziehen).

Examples by Level

Meine Badehose ist rot.

My swim shorts are red.

Feminine singular nominative.

Ich habe eine Badehose.

I have a pair of swim shorts.

Accusative case after 'haben'.

Wo ist meine Badehose?

Where are my swim shorts?

Simple question with 'ist'.

Das ist eine Badehose.

That is a pair of swim shorts.

Nominative predicate.

Die Badehose ist klein.

The swim shorts are small.

Adjective as a predicate.

Ich brauche eine Badehose.

I need a pair of swim shorts.

Accusative case with 'brauchen'.

Ist die Badehose nass?

Are the swim shorts wet?

Yes/No question.

Papa kauft eine Badehose.

Dad is buying a pair of swim shorts.

Subject-Verb-Object.

Ich packe meine Badehose in die Tasche.

I am packing my swim shorts into the bag.

Accusative with 'in' (direction).

Er trägt eine neue Badehose am Strand.

He is wearing new swim shorts at the beach.

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine accusative.

Kaufst du diese Badehose?

Are you buying these swim shorts?

Demonstrative pronoun 'diese'.

Die Badehose passt mir nicht.

The swim shorts don't fit me.

Dative object 'mir' with 'passen'.

Wir haben zwei Badehosen gekauft.

We bought two pairs of swim shorts.

Plural form 'Badehosen'.

Meine Badehose ist schon trocken.

My swim shorts are already dry.

Adverb 'schon' with adjective.

Zieh bitte deine Badehose an!

Please put on your swim shorts!

Imperative with separable verb 'anziehen'.

Gefällt dir diese Badehose?

Do you like these swim shorts?

Dative verb 'gefallen'.

Wenn es heiß ist, ziehe ich meine Badehose an.

When it's hot, I put on my swim shorts.

Subordinate clause with 'wenn'.

Er hat vergessen, seine Badehose einzupacken.

He forgot to pack his swim shorts.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

In der Badehose war noch ein Euro.

There was still one Euro in the swim shorts.

Dative case after 'in' (location).

Diese Badehose ist aus einem sehr leichten Stoff.

These swim shorts are made of a very light fabric.

Preposition 'aus' with dative.

Ich suche eine Badehose, die schnell trocknet.

I am looking for swim shorts that dry quickly.

Relative clause with 'die'.

Ohne Badehose darf man hier nicht schwimmen.

You are not allowed to swim here without swim shorts.

Preposition 'ohne' with accusative.

Er wusch seine Badehose nach dem Urlaub.

He washed his swim shorts after the vacation.

Präteritum (simple past) of 'waschen'.

Die Badehose meines Bruders ist viel zu groß.

My brother's swim shorts are much too big.

Genitive case 'meines Bruders'.

Manche Schwimmbäder verbieten weite Badehosen aus hygienischen Gründen.

Some swimming pools forbid wide swim shorts for hygienic reasons.

Plural accusative with adjective ending.

Er entschied sich für eine eng anliegende Badehose.

He decided on a tight-fitting pair of swim shorts.

Reflexive verb 'sich entscheiden für' + accusative.

Trotz der nassen Badehose setzte er sich ins Auto.

Despite the wet swim shorts, he sat down in the car.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

Die Qualität dieser Badehose rechtfertigt den hohen Preis.

The quality of these swim shorts justifies the high price.

Genitive singular 'dieser Badehose'.

Er trägt die Badehose unter seiner normalen Hose.

He is wearing the swim shorts under his normal pants.

Preposition 'unter' with dative (location).

Könnten Sie mir zeigen, wo die Badehosen für Kinder sind?

Could you show me where the children's swim shorts are?

Polite subjunctive 'könnten' and indirect question.

Die Badehose hat ein praktisches Netzfutter.

The swim shorts have a practical mesh lining.

Compound noun 'Netzfutter'.

Nachdem er die Badehose angezogen hatte, sprang er ins Wasser.

After he had put on the swim shorts, he jumped into the water.

Plusquamperfekt in a 'nachdem' clause.

Die Badehose gilt in vielen Kulturen als Symbol für sommerliche Unbeschwertheit.

In many cultures, swim shorts are considered a symbol of summer lightheartedness.

Passive-like construction with 'gelten als'.

Die chemische Beständigkeit der Badehose gegenüber Chlor ist ein wichtiges Qualitätsmerkmal.

The chemical resistance of the swim shorts to chlorine is an important quality feature.

Complex noun phrase with genitive and preposition.

In seiner neuen Badehose fühlte er sich sichtlich wohl in seiner Haut.

In his new swim shorts, he clearly felt comfortable in his own skin.

Idiomatic expression 'sich wohl in seiner Haut fühlen'.

Das Design der Badehose orientiert sich an den Trends der siebziger Jahre.

The design of the swim shorts is based on the trends of the seventies.

Reflexive verb 'sich orientieren an' + dative.

Es ist fraglich, ob eine herkömmliche Badehose für diesen Extremsport ausreicht.

It is questionable whether conventional swim shorts are sufficient for this extreme sport.

Adjective 'herkömmlich' and 'ob' clause.

Die Badehose war so eng, dass sie seine Bewegungsfreiheit einschränkte.

The swim shorts were so tight that they restricted his freedom of movement.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Beim Kauf einer Badehose sollte man auf nachhaltige Materialien achten.

When buying swim shorts, one should look for sustainable materials.

Gerund-like 'Beim Kauf' + genitive.

Die Badehose ist längst mehr als nur ein funktionales Kleidungsstück.

Swim shorts have long been more than just a functional piece of clothing.

Adverb 'längst' for emphasis.

Die Badehose fungiert hier als Metapher für die nackte Existenz des Protagonisten.

The swim shorts function here as a metaphor for the protagonist's naked existence.

Academic register with 'fungieren als'.

In der literarischen Darstellung wird die Badehose oft zur Charakterisierung des sozialen Status genutzt.

In literary representation, swim shorts are often used to characterize social status.

Passive voice with 'wird... genutzt'.

Die schiere Reduktion auf die Badehose entzieht dem Individuum jeglichen gesellschaftlichen Schutzraum.

The sheer reduction to swim shorts strips the individual of any social protective space.

Abstract vocabulary and complex syntax.

Die Farbwahl der Badehose korrespondiert auf subtile Weise mit der umliegenden Meereslandschaft.

The color choice of the swim shorts corresponds in a subtle way with the surrounding seascape.

Elevated verb 'korrespondieren'.

Die Badehose, wenngleich ein profaner Gegenstand, evoziert Erinnerungen an vergangene Sommer.

The swim shorts, although a profane object, evoke memories of past summers.

Concessive conjunction 'wenngleich'.

Die Funktionalität der Badehose tritt hinter ihrem ästhetischen Anspruch zurück.

The functionality of the swim shorts takes a back seat to their aesthetic demands.

Separable verb 'zurücktreten hinter'.

In jener Ära war die Badehose noch ein Politikum und löste hitzige Debatten aus.

In that era, swim shorts were still a political issue and triggered heated debates.

Demonstrative 'jener' and noun 'Politikum'.

Man könnte die Badehose als das kleinste gemeinsame Vielfache männlicher Bekleidung bezeichnen.

One could describe swim shorts as the least common multiple of male clothing.

Subjunctive 'könnte' and mathematical metaphor.

Common Collocations

die Badehose anziehen

die Badehose ausziehen

eine Badehose einpacken

die nasse Badehose

eine eng anliegende Badehose

die Badehose waschen

die Badehose trocknen

eine neue Badehose kaufen

die Badehose vergessen

in der Badehose

Common Phrases

Pack die Badehose ein!

— Literally 'Pack your swim shorts!', but also a cultural reference to going on a trip.

Es wird sonnig, pack die Badehose ein!

Nur in Badehose

— Wearing nothing but swim shorts.

Er kam nur in Badehose zur Tür.

Eine Badehose leihen

— To borrow or rent swim shorts (often at a pool).

Kann man hier eine Badehose leihen?

Die Badehose sitzt gut.

— The swim shorts fit well.

Diese Badehose sitzt wirklich gut.

Badehose mit Netz

— Swim shorts with a mesh lining.

Ich bevorzuge eine Badehose mit Netz.

Badehose für Kinder

— Swim shorts for children.

Wo sind die Badehosen für Kinder?

Eine chlorfeste Badehose

— A chlorine-resistant pair of swim shorts.

Ich brauche unbedingt eine chlorfeste Badehose.

Die Badehose rutscht.

— The swim shorts are slipping down.

Zieh die Kordel fest, die Badehose rutscht!

Badehose zum Binden

— Swim shorts with a drawstring.

Haben Sie eine Badehose zum Binden?

In voller Badehose

— Rarely used, usually means someone is fully equipped for swimming.

Er erschien in voller Badehose am Beckenrand.

Often Confused With

Badehose vs Badeanzug

A Badeanzug is a one-piece swimsuit for women. Men wear a Badehose.

Badehose vs Unterhose

Unterhose is underwear. Do not wear this to go swimming!

Badehose vs Badeshorts

Badeshorts are a specific type of Badehose (loose and long).

Idioms & Expressions

"Pack die Badehose ein"

— This is a reference to a famous song meaning 'let's go to the water/vacation'. It signals the start of summer.

Der Sommer ist da, pack die Badehose ein!

informal/cultural

"In der Badehose stehen"

— To be caught unprepared or exposed (metaphorically).

Nach der Kündigung stand er metaphorisch nur noch in der Badehose da.

informal

"Sich in die Badehose machen"

— A variation of 'sich in die Hose machen', meaning to be very scared (vulgar/informal).

Du musst dich vor der Prüfung nicht in die Badehose machen.

slang

"Ohne Badehose dastehen"

— To be left with nothing or to be embarrassed.

Wenn das Projekt scheitert, stehen wir ohne Badehose da.

informal

"Die Badehose voll haben"

— To be very afraid (similar to 'die Hosen voll haben').

Er hatte die Badehose voll, als er den Hai sah.

informal

"In der Badehose erwischt werden"

— To be caught off guard.

Die Firma wurde von der Krise in der Badehose erwischt.

informal

"Badehose an, Kopf aus"

— A modern phrase meaning 'stop thinking and start relaxing'.

Wochenende! Badehose an, Kopf aus.

informal

"Mit der Badehose in den Winter"

— To be completely ill-equipped for a situation.

Ohne Plan in die Verhandlung zu gehen, ist wie mit der Badehose in den Winter zu ziehen.

informal

"Die Badehose ist das Kostüm des Mannes"

— A saying implying that a man's character is revealed when he is only in swimwear.

Am Strand zeigt sich: Die Badehose ist das Kostüm des Mannes.

literary

"Alles in der Badehose"

— Everything is under control (very rare, play on 'Alles in Butter').

Keine Sorge, alles in der Badehose.

slang

Easily Confused

Badehose vs Badeanzug

Both start with 'Bade-'.

Badeanzug is for women (one-piece), Badehose is for men (trunks).

Sie trägt einen Badeanzug, er trägt eine Badehose.

Badehose vs Unterhose

Both are 'Hosen' worn as base layers.

Unterhose is for daily wear under clothes; Badehose is for water.

Zieh deine Badehose an, nicht deine Unterhose!

Badehose vs Badehaube

Both start with 'Bade-'.

Badehaube is a swim cap for the head.

Im Profisport trägt man Badehose und Badehaube.

Badehose vs Badehandtuch

Both start with 'Bade-'.

Badehandtuch is a towel used for drying off.

Leg deine Badehose auf das Badehandtuch.

Badehose vs Badeschuh

Both start with 'Bade-'.

Badeschuhe are flip-flops or water shoes.

In der Dusche trägt man Badeschuhe, im Wasser eine Badehose.

Sentence Patterns

Das ist meine [Adjektiv] Badehose.

Das ist meine rote Badehose.

Ich brauche eine Badehose für [Aktivität].

Ich brauche eine Badehose für den Strand.

Obwohl die Badehose [Zustand] ist, [Handlung].

Obwohl die Badehose nass ist, ziehe ich sie an.

Je [Adjektiv] die Badehose, desto [Adjektiv].

Je enger die Badehose, desto schneller schwimmt man.

Es empfiehlt sich, die Badehose [Vorgang].

Es empfiehlt sich, die Badehose gründlich auszuspülen.

In Anbetracht der [Substantiv] der Badehose...

In Anbetracht der Beschaffenheit der Badehose ist sie ideal.

Hast du eine Badehose?

Er hat seine Badehose im [Ort] liegen lassen.

Er hat seine Badehose im Schwimmbad liegen lassen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in summer)

Common Mistakes

Der Badehose → Die Badehose
Learners think it's masculine because men wear it, but 'Hose' is feminine.
Meine Badehose sind nass. → Meine Badehose ist nass.
In German, Badehose is singular, not plural like 'swim trunks'.
Ich trage einen Badeanzug. → Ich trage eine Badehose.
A man saying 'Badeanzug' is saying he is wearing a woman's one-piece swimsuit.
Ich ziehe meine Badehose auf. → Ich ziehe meine Badehose an.
The correct verb for putting on clothes is 'anziehen', not 'aufziehen'.
In die Badehose ist Sand. → In der Badehose ist Sand.
When describing location (where?), use the dative 'der', not the accusative 'die'.

Tips

Singular vs. Plural

Remember: one Badehose = singular verb. 'Die Badehose ist blau.' Don't say 'sind' unless you have two pairs!

Freibad Rules

In German public pools, always wear a real Badehose. Wearing underwear underneath or instead of swimwear is often forbidden for hygiene.

The 'Bade-' Prefix

Learn other 'Bade-' words together: Badeanzug, Badekappe, Badehandtuch, Bademantel. They all relate to swimming or bathing.

Size Matters

When buying a Badehose in Germany, sizes are often numeric (4, 5, 6...) or standard (S, M, L). Always try it on if possible!

Wash After Salt

Always rinse your Badehose in fresh water after swimming in the sea to keep the fabric from being damaged by salt.

Song Reference

If someone says 'Pack die Badehose ein!', they are excited about a trip to the water. It's a very positive, summery phrase.

Always Feminine

Even if the manliest man is wearing it, it's still 'die Badehose'. Grammatical gender is independent of biological gender.

Badeshorts vs Slip

Younger people prefer 'Badeshorts', while competitive swimmers or older men might wear a 'Badeslip'. Both are 'Badehosen'.

Packing List

When making a list, write 'die Badehose'. It helps you remember the article every time you see the word.

Soft Ending

The 'e' at the end of 'Badehose' is essential but soft. Don't drop it, but don't over-emphasize it either.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Body Hose'. You put your body into these 'hose' (pants) to go swimming.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of bright red swim trunks hanging on a hook next to a blue pool. The hook looks like the letter 'd' for 'die Badehose'.

Word Web

Schwimmen Wasser Sommer Strand Freibad Handtuch Sonnencreme Taucherbrille

Challenge

Try to describe your favorite Badehose in three sentences using at least two different cases (nominative and accusative).

Word Origin

The word is a Germanic compound. 'Baden' comes from Old High German 'badōn', meaning to wash or bathe. 'Hose' comes from Old High German 'hosa', which originally referred to a leg covering or stocking.

Original meaning: A covering for the legs used while bathing.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be aware of FKK (nudist) beaches where wearing a Badehose might actually make you stand out. In regular pools, ensure the Badehose is made of proper swimwear material for hygiene.

English speakers should remember that 'Badehose' is singular. Saying 'my swim shorts are' translates to 'meine Badehose ist' (singular).

Song: 'Pack die Badehose ein' by Cornelia Froboess. Film: Many German summer comedies feature the 'lost Badehose' trope. Literature: Günter Grass sometimes mentions swimwear in his descriptions of Danzig beaches.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the public pool (Freibad/Hallenbad)

Wo sind die Umkleiden?
Ist diese Badehose erlaubt?
Ich habe meine Badehose vergessen.
Die Badehose ist noch nass.

At the beach (Am Strand)

Soll ich die Badehose schon anziehen?
Es ist viel Sand in meiner Badehose.
Meine Badehose trocknet in der Sonne.
Wo kann man hier Badehosen kaufen?

Packing for vacation (Koffer packen)

Hast du deine Badehose eingepackt?
Ich brauche zwei Badehosen für den Urlaub.
Meine Badehose passt nicht mehr in den Koffer.
Welche Badehose soll ich mitnehmen?

In a clothing store (Im Bekleidungsgeschäft)

Wo ist die Bademode für Herren?
Haben Sie diese Badehose in Blau?
Darf ich die Badehose anprobieren?
Diese Badehose ist mir zu eng.

Laundry (Wäsche waschen)

Die Badehose muss in die Waschmaschine.
Darf die Badehose in den Trockner?
Wasch die Badehose bitte mit kaltem Wasser.
Die Farbe der Badehose ist verblichen.

Conversation Starters

"Hast du deine Badehose schon eingepackt oder soll ich dir eine leihen?"

"Welche Farbe hat deine neue Badehose? Ich suche auch gerade eine."

"Glaubst du, man braucht im Hotelpool eine eng anliegende Badehose?"

"Ist deine Badehose schon trocken? Wir wollen in zehn Minuten losgehen."

"Wo hast du diese coole Badehose gekauft? Das Muster gefällt mir sehr."

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe deinen letzten Besuch im Schwimmbad. Was hattest du in deiner Tasche?

Erinnere dich an einen Sommerurlaub. Welche Rolle spielte deine Badehose dabei?

Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte über jemanden, der seine Badehose an einem wichtigen Tag vergisst.

Was ist dir beim Kauf einer Badehose wichtig? Qualität, Preis oder das Design?

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile von weiten Badeshorts gegenüber engen Badeslips.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In German, 'Badehose' is singular. Unlike English 'swim trunks', you use singular verbs. For example: 'Die Badehose ist nass' (The swim trunks are wet).

It is feminine: 'die Badehose'. This is because the word 'Hose' (pants) is feminine.

Technically, 'Badehose' refers to men's swimwear. Women's equivalents are 'Bikini-Hose' or 'Badeanzug'. However, if a woman wears swim shorts, people might still call them 'Badehose' or 'Badeshorts'.

'Badehose' is the general term. 'Badeshorts' specifically refers to the loose-fitting, longer style of trunks.

You use the separable verb 'anziehen': 'Ich ziehe die Badehose an'.

Generally, no. It is considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop in just a 'Badehose'. You should put on a shirt and regular shorts.

The plural is 'Badehosen'. Example: 'Ich habe drei Badehosen'.

In German, grammatical gender is not determined by the user, but by the word itself. Since 'Hose' is feminine, all types of 'Hose' (like Badehose, Jeanshose, Unterhose) are feminine.

Actually, most traditional German saunas are 'textilfrei' (textile-free), meaning you are not allowed to wear a Badehose inside. You usually just use a towel.

Yes, 'Badehose' is the general term and can include speedos, though 'Badeslip' is more specific for that style.