Non-Bavarians who buy leather breeches should be prepared to be mistaken by Bavarians for one of their own and spoken to about their fashion choices – in German or, to put it more precisely, in Bavarian dialect. To make sure that you don’t immediately disqualify yourself from conversation and make a bad impression, here’s a quick vocab course to help you recognise which bits of your lederhosen are being commented on.
Ledahosn
The most important word is, of course, Ledahosn. In standard German, leather trousers are referred to as Lederhosen, but traditional Bavarian breeches are called Ledahosn by those who wear them. The pronunciation is rougher, and the A should really be stressed. Other important words to know are Wildleder and Hirschleder, which is the difference between buckskin and deerskin.
A beautifully stitched “little doorway” here…
Some anatomical features of lederhosen have their own dialect words, too. The vertical stitch down the back of a pair of short leather breeches is called the Arschnaht: I think that the provenance of this name should, considering the position of this stitch down the backside, be relatively clear. On knee-length lederhosen, you’ll notice a circular stitch around the seat of the trousers: this is called the Tellernaht, or “plate stitch” and allows for this piece of fabric to be exchanged more easily, thus prolonging the life of the lederhosen.
Changing sides on the piece, the oversize flap at the front of lederhosen is referred to as the Hosntürl, or the “little door” to the trousers. Some wags like to call it the “serving plate” – Servierbrettl – and once again, we’ll leave you to cogitate on the connotations of this particular piece of Bavarian slang. Others refer to it as the codpiece (Schamkapsel) in a reference to an element of the predecessor of modern Lederhosen, breeches.
Gschirr
The German word Geschirr generally refers to crockery such as plates and cups, but it can also refer to the saddle and reins for a horse. Since the braces (suspenders) on a lederhosen are made of leather, it’s not hard to see the connection and to work out why they are called Gschirr in Bavarian dialect. Whether they’re “Y form” or “H form” – i.e. with a panel of leather connecting to the two braces at chest height – they are a real and important part of the lederhosen. Especially lederhosen clubs and home-makers like to adorn the panel connecting the straps of the braces with embroidery.
While you’re bought model probably won’t have that level of detail, at least you know how to distinguish the “serving plate” from the “plate stitch”! Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
FAQs
Women's wear revolves around the dirndl, a traditional dress with a structured bodice, tightly tied and decoratively embroidered. The lederhosen worn by men are generally made of goat or buckskin and also feature patterning.
What are the parts of a lederhosen? ›
Lederhosen are short or knee-length breeches made of leather. Traditional lederhosen are hand made of tanned deer leather which makes the pants soft and light but very tearproof. All variations usually consist of two side pockets, one hip pocket, one knife pocket, and a codpiece (drop front).
What are the components of a dirndl? ›
The main elements that make up a Dirndl are the wide skirt attached to a “Leiberl,” or fitted bodice, an apron (often with a hidden pocket), and a short Dirndl blouse. The skirt usually starts at the waist or a little lower. You can choose between various lengths, depending on current fashion trends.
Is lederhosen German or Bavarian? ›
Many historians agree that lederhosen originated in the southern German region of Bavaria, also the home to Black Forest cake, the legendary German automobile industry, and many other distinctly German phenomena. We now know, however, that some believe lederhosen have roots in various other European countries.
Do you need to wear a bra with a dirndl? ›
The right bra underneath the Dirndl is crucial for the perfect fit and the ideal effect of the traditional dress. Often it is difficult for customers to choose the right Dirndl bra - but if a few tips are taken into account, nothing stands in the way of a combination of sensuality and comfort.
What is a German beer girl called? ›
Kellner /Kellnerin. German for Beer Maids and Beer Waiters. Staff at Oktoberfest Munich have to be incredibly tough!
What does dirndl mean in German? ›
In Bavaria and Austria, Dirndl can mean a young woman, a girlfriend or the dress. The dress can for clarity be called Dirndlkleid (literally 'young woman's dress') or Dirndlgewand ('young woman's clothing').
What does the dirndl knot mean? ›
Meaning of the dirndl bow: Dirndl bow tied on the left: The wearer is single. Dirndl bow tied on the right: The wearer is already taken, engaged or married. Dirndl bow tied in the center back: The wearer is a waitress or widowed.
What is the most expensive dirndl in the world? ›
But even these expenses are nothing compared to what you have to shell out for the most expensive dirndl in the world. This exclusive model costs no less than 100,000 euros. Pure wild silk, embroidered with 150,000 Swarovski crystals in 300 hours of work, has its price.
Why is Bavarian German so different? ›
As you can see, the Bavarian alphabet includes additional vowel sounds that you don't hear in standard German. These extra vowels give the Bavarian dialect the signature sound that differentiates it from standard German pronunciation.
Worn with a linen or cotton shirt, woolly socks, and sturdy shoes, these leather breeches are an iconic item of clothing with a high recognition factor worldwide. There isn't only one single type of lederhosen, though.
Are lederhosen above or below the knee? ›
While there are Lederhosen that go past the knee, these were mostly worn for special occasions; the everyday form of Lederhosen in the Austrian and Bavarian alps were cut above the knee. Workers and hunters alike preferred the added mobility, especially in the steep slopes of the Eastern Alps.
Is it OK to wear a dirndl to Oktoberfest? ›
A: No, you are not required to wear a Dirndl to Oktoberfest, but it sure is more fun to dress up!
Can you wear a dirndl if you're not German? ›
If you are not German, there is no reason you can't wear a dirndl! Traditional dirndl dresses have this magical effect on people: they can make you feel elegant, confident, and flirty.
Can you go to Oktoberfest without lederhosen? ›
You really don't need to buy a pair of cheap Lederhosen or a trashy Dirndl imitation just to fit in. You certainly should put something on, but the way you dress actually isn't important.
Why do German men wear lederhosen? ›
Wearing “leather breeches” or Lederhosen is an 18th-century traditional garb that peasants of northern Germany and Austria wore to hold up to the harsh work that the men of the time endured.
