In Spotlight 2/20, we present the language used to talk about shoes. Here, you can find the German translations for this issue’s Picture It.
- sandalsHerrensandalensandals
- wellington boots, wellies UK, rubber boots N. Am.Gummistiefelwellington boots, wellies UK, rubber boots N. Am.
- flip-flopsFlip-Flopsflip-flops
- pumps, ballet flats UK, ballerinas N. Am.Ballerinaspumps, ballet flats UK, ballerinas N. Am.
- hiking boots, walking bootsWanderstiefelhiking boots, walking boots
- boat shoes, deck shoesDeckschuhe (was man so auf dem Segelboot trägt)boat shoes, deck shoes
- court shoes UK, pumps N. AmDamen-Pumps (vorne abgerundet und mit vernünftigem, halbhohen Absatz)court shoes UK, pumps N. Am
- slippersHausschuhe (flauschig)slippers
- platform shoesPlateau-Schuheplatform shoes
- stilettosStöckelschuh mit Pfennigabsatzstilettos
- knee bootskniehohe Damenstiefelknee boots
- work bootsArbeitsstiefel für Männerwork boots
- high-topsKnöchelturnschuhe (so was wie Converse)high-tops
- lace-ups UK, oxfords N. Am.Herrenschuhe mit Schnürsenkeln (was für’s Büro)lace-ups UK, oxfords N. Am.
- slip-ons, loafersHerrenschuhe zum Reinschlüpfen (diese College-Schuhe mit dem kleinen Metallplättchen oder so einer Leder-Quaste vorne)slip-ons, loafers
- trainers UK, sneakersTurnschuhetrainers UK, sneakers
Choosing the right shoes
When I get dressed, I start with the shoes and work my way upwards. Do I need waterproof footwear with a closed toe for the rain, furlinedpelzgefüttertfurlined boots with a thick sole for the snow, sandals with open toes for the summer sun, high heels to look smart or flat shoes for comfort? Shoes should fit you in size and widthBreitewidth. otherwiseandernfallsOtherwise, they’ll to rubscheuernrub and cause blisterBlaseblisters. I have wide feet, so I look for wide-fit shoes; and for knee boots, I look for a wide-calfmit weiter Wadewide-calf option. You may have the opposite problem and need narrow-fit shoes. If your shoes are loose, try an insoleEinlegesohleinsole or heel gripFersenpolster, Fersenhalterheel grip. Tight shoes will expand with wear if they’re made of smooth leather or suedeWildledersuede. For people who avoid animal products, synthetic materials or canvasSegeltuchcanvas are good alternatives.
My mother always warned me against shoes with pointedspitz zulaufendpointed toes because they can cause bunionBallenzehebunions like hers, where the big toe bends inwards. Round-toe shoes allow more space. My mother also warned me against shiny patent leatherLacklederpatent-leather shoes, but only because boys might see my underwearUnterwäscheunderwear in the reflection!
Neat feet
Whatever shoes you wear, they should be smart and polished, of course, not scuffedabgewetzt, verkratztscuffed or with worn-downabgelaufenworn-down heels. Take your old favourites to a cobblerSchuster(in)cobbler or shoe repair shop and ask to have them reheeled or resoled, and pick up some new laceSchnürsenkellaces and a tin of polish while you’re there. For suede shoes, invest in a suede brush and a canDosecan of waterproof spray. To to prolongverlängernprolong the life of your shoes, don’t wear the same pair every day. Use a shoehornSchuhlöffelshoehorn to put them on, and remember to undo them before taking them off.
Pumps
Remember that “pumps” have a different meaning in British and American English. For British women, they’re flat shoes. For American women, they have a heel.
Related download
Explore the topic further by following this link:
Download: Shoes and other footwear