Krawatte vs. Schlips
In German, both Krawatte and Schlips translate to necktie, but they differ significantly in their level of formality and common usage. Krawatte is the standard, neutral term, while Schlips is more informal and colloquial.
Krawatte
A2Krawatte is the standard, formal, and most widely used German word for a necktie, appropriate for any situation from business meetings to formal events.
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch muss ich eine Krawatte tragen.
(I have to wear a necktie for the job interview.)
Er hat eine große Sammlung von Seidenkrawatten.
(He has a large collection of silk neckties.)
Welche Krawatte passt am besten zu diesem blauen Hemd?
(Which necktie goes best with this blue shirt?)
Der Dresscode für die Hochzeit verlangt Anzug und Krawatte.
(The dress code for the wedding requires a suit and tie.)
Im Kaufhaus finden Sie eine große Auswahl an Krawatten.
(You can find a large selection of neckties in the department store.)
Schlips
B2Schlips is a colloquial and informal term for a necktie, often used in everyday conversation and carrying a more casual, sometimes even slightly old-fashioned or affectionate, tone.
Zieh dir einen Schlips an, wir gehen schick essen.
(Put on a tie, we're going out for a fancy dinner.)
Mein Vater trägt nur noch selten einen Schlips.
(My father rarely wears a tie anymore.)
Nach der Arbeit hat er als Erstes seinen Schlips gelockert.
(The first thing he did after work was loosen his tie.)
Pass auf, dass du dir den Schlips nicht mit Soße bekleckerst.
(Be careful not to get sauce on your tie.)
Mit dieser Bemerkung ist er mir ganz schön auf den Schlips getreten.
(He really offended me with that remark (Literally: He really stepped on my tie).)
Summary
In essence, always use Krawatte in formal or neutral contexts, such as in business, official documents, or when you want to be precise. Use Schlips in casual, everyday conversations among friends or family, or when using the common idiom jemandem auf den Schlips treten (to offend someone). While they refer to the same object, Krawatte is the universally accepted standard, whereas Schlips adds a layer of informality.