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.
ethereal
Describes something as extremely delicate, spiritualized, almost unreal, or not of this world. Often used for appearances, music, or atmospheres.
Die Ballerina schwebte mit einer ätherischen Leichtigkeit über die Bühne.
The ballerina floated across the stage with an ethereal lightness.
etheric
In old physics, the property of the postulated ether, a hypothetical medium that was supposed to fill space.
Die überholte Theorie ging davon aus, dass sich Lichtwellen in einem ätherischen Medium ausbreiten.
The outdated theory assumed that light waves propagate in an etheric medium.
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The idea of ether as a medium for light is now outdated.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 It describes an outdated scientific theory and has no relevance in everyday life.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.
