essential / ethereal
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essential
Refers to volatile, fragrant substances obtained from plants. Most commonly used in the phrase 'ätherische Öle' (essential oils).
Ätherische Öle wie Lavendel werden oft in der Aromatherapie verwendet.
Essential oils such as lavender are often used in aromatherapy.
All meanings of 'ätherisch' (essential/ethereal) are derived from the noun 'der Äther' (ether). Historically, ether was the idea of an extremely subtle substance that fills the sky or outer space.
Die Vorstellung vom Äther als Medium für Licht ist heute überholt.
The idea of ether as a medium for light is now outdated.
By far the most common use is the fixed phrase 'ätherische Öle' (essential oils). This refers to volatile, fragrant plant extracts.
Ich gebe gerne ein paar Tropfen ätherisches Lavendelöl in mein Badewasser.
I like to add a few drops of essential lavender oil to my bathwater.
In this meaning, 'ätherisch' (ethereal) belongs to elevated, poetic language. It describes something as so delicate and fine that it seems almost not material or real.
Der Gesang der Sopranistin klang rein und ätherisch.
The soprano's singing sounded pure and ethereal.
In the figurative meaning, 'ätherisch' (ethereal) is often combined with nouns from the areas of art, nature, and appearance, for example 'eine ätherische Melodie' (an ethereal melody), 'eine ätherische Schönheit' (an ethereal beauty), or 'ein ätherisches Wesen' (an ethereal being).
Das Model hatte eine fast ätherische Ausstrahlung.
The model had an almost ethereal presence.
You will find this meaning only in texts about the history of physics. It describes an outdated scientific theory and has no relevance in everyday life.
Einsteins Relativitätstheorie machte die Annahme eines ätherischen Mediums überflüssig.
Einstein's theory of relativity made the assumption of an etheric medium unnecessary.
fine
'fein' and 'ätherisch' can both describe something very delicate. 'fein' is the normal and versatile word for delicate, elegant, or high-quality things. 'ätherisch' sounds much more special and often poetic. It describes something that seems almost unreal, light, or not quite of this world, such as music, light, or an atmosphere. The words can be confused because both express delicacy. In everyday language, 'fein' is usually more natural; 'ätherisch' only fits when something is meant to seem very light, floating, or mysterious.
Die Musik im Film klingt ätherisch und sehr weit entfernt.
The music in the film sounds ethereal and very far away.
Meine Freundin trägt ein feines Tuch aus Seide.
My friend is wearing a fine silk scarf.