Significado
People are judged by their appearance and attire.
Contexto cultural
In German business culture, 'Business Casual' is becoming more common, but for high-level meetings, the 'Anzug' (suit) is still king. The proverb is often cited as a justification for strict dress codes. Since the author Gottfried Keller was Swiss, the proverb is a point of national literary pride. It is often used to discuss the history of Swiss literature in schools. Austrian culture, especially in Vienna, has a long tradition of formal balls (like the Opernball). Here, the proverb is taken very literally—without a tuxedo or ballgown, you simply won't be let in. Interestingly, the global tech scene (led by figures like Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg) has created a 'reverse' version where dressing down signals so much power that you don't need to follow the proverb.
Use it for encouragement
If a friend is nervous about a formal event, use this phrase to compliment their outfit and boost their confidence.
Don't be too literal
Remember that while the proverb is common, many Germans also value 'Authentizität' (authenticity). Don't use it to justify being fake.
Significado
People are judged by their appearance and attire.
Use it for encouragement
If a friend is nervous about a formal event, use this phrase to compliment their outfit and boost their confidence.
Don't be too literal
Remember that while the proverb is common, many Germans also value 'Authentizität' (authenticity). Don't use it to justify being fake.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing verb in the proverb.
Kleider _______ Leute.
'Kleider' is plural, so the verb must be 'machen'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Kleider machen Leute'?
Situation:
The proverb is about how clothes influence social perception and success.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum kaufst du {diesen|m} teuren {Mantel|m}? B: Du weißt doch: ________.
The context of buying an expensive coat fits the proverb about appearance.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosKleider _______ Leute.
'Kleider' is plural, so the verb must be 'machen'.
Situation:
The proverb is about how clothes influence social perception and success.
A: Warum kaufst du {diesen|m} teuren {Mantel|m}? B: Du weißt doch: ________.
The context of buying an expensive coat fits the proverb about appearance.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasYes, especially in professional and formal social contexts in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Absolutely. Unlike the English 'Clothes make the man,' the German 'Leute' (people) is gender-neutral.
The singular is '{das|n} Kleid', which usually means 'dress' today, but historically meant any garment.
Not usually. It's more of a pragmatic observation about how society works.
Frases relacionadas
Der erste Eindruck zählt
similarThe first impression counts.
Mehr Schein als Sein
contrastMore appearance than reality.
Sich in Schale werfen
builds onTo dress up fancy (literally: to throw oneself into the shell).
