German Phrase
Was zieh ich zum Aerobic an?
Meaning
Literally: 'What do I put on for aerobics?' It is a practical question you ask when you want advice about suitable workout clothing for a group fitness class.
When to use
Use this sentence before heading to a gym, a sports club, or a friend’s living‑room aerobics session. It works in informal conversation with peers, trainers, or anyone who can suggest appropriate attire.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasziehichzumAerobican
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in a question; it stands at the beginning of the sentence.
zieh (verb stem)
Stem of the separable verb 'anziehen' (to put on). In a main clause the prefix 'an' moves to the end.
ich (subject pronoun)
First‑person singular pronoun, the subject of the verb.
zum (preposition)
Contraction of 'zu dem', meaning 'for' or 'to the'. Here it links the activity (Aerobic) with the clothing.
Aerobic (noun, neuter)
A borrowed English term used in German to denote the fitness class; it stays unchanged.
an (separable prefix)
The second part of the separable verb 'anziehen' that appears at the end of the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Was zieh ich zum Aerobic an?
What should I wear for aerobics?
Am besten ein leichtes T‑Shirt, atmungsaktive Shorts und bequeme Sportschuhe.
Ideally a light T‑shirt, breathable shorts and comfortable sports shoes.
✕Common Mistakes
Was zieh ich zu Aerobic an?
The preposition must be the contracted form 'zum' (zu dem) when linking to a noun.
Was anzieh ich zum Aerobic?
With separable verbs the prefix 'an' moves to the end of the clause; you cannot keep it attached to the stem.
Was zieh ich zum Aerobics an?
In German the sport is called ‘Aerobic’, not the English plural ‘Aerobics’.
↔Alternatives
Was soll ich zum Aerobic anziehen?
What should I put on for aerobics?
Welche Kleidung ist für Aerobic geeignet?
Which clothing is suitable for aerobics?
Was trage ich zum Aerobic?
What do I wear for aerobics?
Cultural Tip
In German gyms the dress code is usually casual‑sporty: moisture‑wicking fabrics, fitted tops and flexible bottoms are preferred. Avoid overly tight leggings that restrict movement and leave the gym in a clean, fresh state – many clubs provide a ‘Schuhregal’ (shoe rack) where you can leave your street shoes and switch to indoor trainers. Also, saying ‘Aerobic’ is common, but you’ll also hear ‘Fitnesstraining’ or simply ‘Kurs’ in different regions.