absurd
Contradicting common sense or logic; pointless and nonsensical.
EXAMPLE
Es ist absurd zu glauben, man könne ohne Übung ein Instrument lernen.
It is absurd to believe that you can learn an instrument without practice.
absurd
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Meanings
absurd
Referring to a movement in literature or theater (theater of the absurd) that depicts the meaninglessness of human existence.
EXAMPLE
Samuel Becketts 'Warten auf Godot' ist ein klassisches Beispiel für das absurde Drama.
Samuel Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' is a classic example of absurd drama.
Usage tips
Sentence structure with infinitive
'Absurd' (absurd) is very often used in the structure 'Es ist absurd, … zu + infinitive' (It is absurd to ...). This is used to judge an action or idea as nonsensical.
EXAMPLE
Es ist absurd, zu erwarten, dass sich die Welt über Nacht ändert.
It is absurd to expect the world to change overnight.
Typical collocations
In its general meaning, 'absurd' (absurd) is often combined with nouns that describe an idea or situation. Common collocations are: 'eine absurde Idee' (an absurd idea), 'eine absurde Situation' (an absurd situation), 'ein absurder Gedanke' (an absurd thought), or 'ein absurder Vorschlag' (an absurd suggestion).
EXAMPLE
Sein Vorschlag, im Winter zelten zu gehen, war völlig absurd.
His suggestion to go camping in winter was completely absurd.
Context clue
You can recognize the special meaning in the field of art and literature from the context. The word then appears together with terms such as 'Theater' (theater), 'Drama' (drama), 'Literatur' (literature), or the names of authors.
EXAMPLE
Im Literaturkurs haben wir uns mit dem absurden Theater beschäftigt.
In the literature course, we studied theater of the absurd.
Compare with
absurd vs lächerlich
ridiculous
Lächerlich and absurd can both be used to strongly reject a claim or demand. Absurd primarily emphasizes a contradiction of logic and common sense, whereas lächerlich additionally highlights the effect of being laughed at. Use absurd for logical nonsense and lächerlich when mockery or amusement is also implied.
absurd
Die Behauptung, dass Wasser bergauf fließt, ist absurd.
The claim that water flows uphill is absurd.
lächerlich
Die Forderung, dass alle Gäste im Winter ohne Mantel kommen, ist lächerlich.
The demand that all guests come without coats in winter is ridiculous.
In real life
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