German word

Tracht

Pronunciation

IPA/traxt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfolk costume

Example

In Bayern sieht man im Sommer oft Trachten auf Volksfesten.

In Bavaria, you often see folk costumes at folk festivals in summer.

Illustration for Tracht (folk costume)

More examples

Designer präsentierten auf der Messe eine moderne Variante der Tracht.

Designers presented a modern variation of folk costume at the trade fair.

Core concept

A recognizable local outfit that makes a community's heritage visible at festivals, ceremonies, or other special occasions.

Common phrases

  • Festzug in Tracht

    parade in folk costume

  • handgefertigte Tracht

    handmade folk costume

  • originale Tracht

    original folk costume

Similar words

Dirndl: A traditional women's one-piece dress with a low neckline for festivals or dancing.
Lederhose: Short leather trousers worn traditionally by men for festivals and other events.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet traditionelle, ortstypische Kleidung, die Herkunft oder Zugehörigkeit zeigt und meist zu besonderen Anlässen getragen wird.

Word origin

Tracht developed from Old High German traht(a), related to tragen, and originally referred to a manner of wearing or dress before acquiring its modern sense of traditional regional clothing.

Usage tips

  • Tracht is feminine, with the article die and the plural Trachten.

Other meanings

  • regional costumenoun

Opposites

  • Businesskleidungbusiness attirenoun
  • Alltagskleidungeveryday clothingnoun

Related words

  • Trachtenmarktfolk costume marketnoun
  • Trachtenmuseumfolk costume museumnoun

Word lists with this word