FAQs
Tracht (German pronunciation: [ˈtʁaxt]) refers to traditional garments in German-speaking countries and regions.
What is the difference between Trachten and dirndl? ›
The Swiss refer to an Austrian or German traditional dress as a dirndl, but refer to their own traditional dress as a tracht. As is the case in the neighboring country of Liechtenstein, the use of the term dirndl for a Swiss dress is discouraged. The style varies by region, for example a Bernese Tracht.
What is the meaning of German national costume? ›
'Tracht' is a traditional national costume in German-speaking countries. It translates to 'what is carried/worn/borne'. Dating back to the 16th century, certain styles of Tracht belong to a region, an occupation (such as farmers, shepherds or maids) or a social status.
What is the history of Bavarian Trachten? ›
Trachten began in the 15th Century
Traditional Trachten dress dates back to the 15th Century. It developed out of the clothing worn by farmers and their wives in rural agricultural areas and was a special form of fashion used to express regional, religious and social status.
Where is Tracht worn? ›
In many regions, especially Southern Germany, Bavaria and Austria, it is still acceptable to wear 'tracht' on official occasions like weddings, festivals, Church services, etc. Contemporary fashion adapts to traditional elements, and today the production of dirndl and lederhosen is a thriving industry in Germany.
What does the term Trachten refer to? ›
The original meaning of trachten was “something that is worn.” However, it's now associated mainly with traditional clothing of bygone eras.
Do you wear a bra with a dirndl? ›
Always wear a special dirndl bra. Incorrectly fitting and visible bras are an absolute no-go. Always select the right colour bra to wear under your dirndl blouse. It's best to try on the bra underneath your dirndl and blouse to find the perfect bra to go with your outfit.
What does it mean when you wear the bow on the right side of the dirndl? ›
If the knot of the apron is tied in the front, towards the left side, it means that a woman is single. However, if the knot of the apron is tied to the right side, it means that the woman is either married or in a relationship. Their relationship status is none of your business.
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!
What is the German national dish? ›
Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.
A dirndl is the name of a woman's dress traditionally worn in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alpine regions of Italy. The dirndl is a folk costume (in German – Tracht), and today is generally regarded as a traditional dress for women and girls in the Alps.
Why do Germans wear Tracht? ›
Bavarians who didn't work with their hands for a living wore clothes called tracht in German, as a symbol of their connection to the land, tradition, and homeland. It was part of building an identity.
Can you wear a dirndl without a blouse? ›
Some dirndl dresses feature higher bodices and can be worn as two-pieces without a blouse; otherwise, you will need to remember to add a blouse to your dress and can choose between short puff and elbow-length sleeves. Speaking of length, there are various skirt lengths to choose from, too: mini, midi, and full-length.
Is there a difference between Bavarian and German? ›
Bavarian differs sufficiently from Standard German to make it difficult for native speakers to adopt standard pronunciation. Educated Bavarians and Austrians can almost always read, write and understand Standard German, but they may have very little opportunity to speak it, especially in rural areas.
What is the purpose of lederhosen? ›
Lederhosen has Alpine Roots, Not Just Bavarian
We know that Lederhosen dates back to the 1700s in Bavaria, but there's more to it than that. They were worn as work clothes by the peasants and farmers not only in Bavaria, but almost every Alpine State, especially Austria.
What are traditional German hats called? ›
Also known as "Tyrolean", "Bavarian" or "Alpine", traditional German hats are brimmed and usually made from felt or wool. These hats are often decorated with various accessories, such as hat pins and feathers.
What is a traditional German jacket called? ›
Probably the most recognizable jacket in this style is the Styrian jacket, which many Americans won't know by name, but would surely recognize.
What is a female lederhosen called? ›
You may have seen or heard of a dirndl, but what is it exactly and how did it come to be the traditional Oktoberfest fashion worn by women? A dirndl is the name of a woman's dress traditionally worn in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alpine regions of Italy.
“Tracht” is often used to describe a very specific kind of clothing. In Bavaria, a certain type of regional clothing was used for work and also for holidays. Until the mid-18th century, the word was still used corresponding to its word stem “tragen”, to wear. The contemporary meaning started in the 19th century, when the concept of folk costumes became popular.
In all groups, Tracht is most often used to reference upper Bavarian alpine costumes, “oberbayerische Gebirgstracht”. After loden suits became popular at the Bavaria court in the late 19th century, Lederhosen became less and less visible on the streets. This motivated the teacher Joseph Vogel from Bayrischzell, to start the first association for the preservation of traditional clothing, the first “Trachtenverein“, in 1883.