Clothing Store German Phrases: Sizes, Fitting Rooms, and More

Buying clothes in Germany usually means figuring out sizes on your own, finding the fitting room without a sign in English, and asking staff for help in German. Most clothing store employees will not approach you first. Knowing a handful of clothing store German phrases makes the whole process smoother.

Clothing store German phrases cover sizes, fitting rooms, materials, and checkout vocabulary. German sizing follows the EU system, staff expect you to ask if you need help, and fitting rooms sometimes have item limits. These phrases prepare you for every step.

Clothing Store German Phrases for Sizes and Fitting Rooms

German clothing uses EU sizes, not US or UK sizes. A women's US 6 is roughly a German 36, and a men's US M is often a German 48 or 50. If you are unsure, ask the staff. For a broader overview of shopping customs in Germany, check our shopping in Germany guide.

• “Welche Größe ist das?” - What size is this?
• “Haben Sie das in Größe 40?” - Do you have this in size 40?
• “Das ist zu groß.” - This is too big.
• “Das ist zu klein.” - This is too small.
• “Wo ist die Umkleidekabine?” - Where is the fitting room?
• “Wie viele Teile darf ich mitnehmen?” - How many items can I take in?

Some stores limit the number of items you can bring into the fitting room, usually three to five. The staff member at the entrance will hand you a numbered tag. Just say the number of items: “Drei Stück.” (Three items.)

Asking About Colors and Materials

If you see something you like but want it in a different color, you will need to describe what you are looking for. Staff in clothing stores are usually happy to check the back room for you.

• “Haben Sie das in einer anderen Farbe?” - Do you have this in a different color?
• “Haben Sie das in Schwarz?” - Do you have this in black?
• “Aus welchem Material ist das?” - What material is this made of?
• “Ist das Baumwolle?” - Is this cotton?

Common materials on German clothing labels include “Baumwolle” (cotton), “Polyester”, “Wolle” (wool), and “Seide” (silk). Care instructions use international symbols, so those are the same everywhere.

Do You Need Help? How to Get Assistance or Decline It

When a staff member does approach you, they will typically ask “Kann ich Ihnen helfen?” (Can I help you?) or “Suchen Sie etwas Bestimmtes?” (Are you looking for something specific?). You can read more about handling these interactions in our post on asking a shop assistant for help.

• “Ja, ich suche eine Jacke.” - Yes, I am looking for a jacket.
• “Nein danke, ich schaue nur.” - No thanks, I am just looking.
• “Können Sie mir etwas empfehlen?” - Can you recommend something?

Paying and Checking Out

At the register, the cashier might ask if you want a bag or if you are paying by card. Bags cost a small fee (usually 0.10 to 0.50 euros) at clothing stores too.

• “Ich nehme das.” - I will take this.
• “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” - Can I pay by card?
• “Brauchen Sie eine Tüte?” - Do you need a bag? (staff will ask this)
• “Nein danke, ich habe eine eigene Tasche.” - No thanks, I have my own bag.

Keep the receipt. If the item does not fit properly at home, you will need it for any return or exchange. Not every store accepts returns on sale items, so ask before buying if you are unsure.

Try the Retail Shopping scenario on EverydayDeutsch to practice these phrases in a realistic conversation.