Western
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Western
Relating to the culture, history, and civilization of Western Europe and the countries culturally shaped by it, such as North America. The opposite is 'morgenländisch' (Oriental/Eastern).
Die Demokratie gilt als eine zentrale Errungenschaft der abendländischen Kultur.
Democracy is considered a central achievement of Western culture.
The word derives from the noun 'das Abendland' (the West/Occident). This literally means 'land of the evening,' that is, where the sun sets—the West or Occident.
Die Philosophie der Aufklärung prägte das abendländische Denken.
The philosophy of the Enlightenment shaped Western thought.
'Abendländisch' (Western) is mostly used in connection with abstract nouns from the field of culture and intellectual history, for example: 'die abendländische Kultur' (Western culture), 'die abendländische Philosophie' (Western philosophy), 'die abendländische Geschichte' (Western history).
Das Museum zeigt Kunst aus der gesamten abendländischen Tradition.
The museum shows art from the entire Western tradition.
This adjective belongs to a formal, educated register. It is found especially in historical, philosophical, or cultural-studies texts.
In seinem Vortrag analysierte er die Entwicklung der abendländischen Musik.
In his lecture, he analyzed the development of Western music.
western
Both words can refer to the culture and society of Western Europe and North America. Westlich is the more general term and can also have a geographical or political meaning, while abendländisch is more strongly associated with cultural history and usually sounds more elevated. Use abendländisch only when this historical perspective is part of the meaning.
Das Museum zeigt wichtige Werke der abendländischen Kultur.
The museum displays important works of Western culture.
Die westliche Gesellschaft verändert sich durch neue Arbeitsformen.
Western society is changing as a result of new ways of working.
