air / aura
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air
In music, a song-like, melodious instrumental piece that often has a calm and solemn character.
Bachs berühmte Air aus der Orchestersuite Nr. 3 wird oft bei feierlichen Anlässen gespielt.
Bach's famous Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 is often played on ceremonial occasions.
air / mannerism
A special, often affected manner or aura that surrounds a person; a particular affectation.
Sie gab sich eine Air von Weltläufigkeit, obwohl sie ihr Dorf kaum verlassen hatte.
She gave herself an air of worldliness, even though she had hardly ever left her village.
'Die Air' does not mean 'Luft' (air) like the English word 'air'. It refers either to a piece of music or to a person's particular aura or manner.
Sie gab sich eine Air der Gleichgültigkeit, um ihre Unsicherheit zu verbergen.
She gave herself an air of indifference to hide her insecurity.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about music, composers, or instruments, a musical piece is meant. If it is about a person's behavior or aura, an affectation is meant.
Das Orchester spielte eine wunderschöne Air von Händel.
The orchestra played a beautiful air by Handel.
In the meaning 'Gehabe' (affectation/mannerism), the word is almost always used with the reflexive verb 'sich geben' (to give oneself). The expression 'sich eine Air geben' means that someone is pretending to have a certain attitude or aura.
Er gibt sich eine Air des Intellektuellen, liest aber nie ein Buch.
He gives himself an air of an intellectual, but he never reads a book.
charisma / broadcast / radiation
Air and Ausstrahlung can both describe the special effect a person has on others. Ausstrahlung usually affects others involuntarily, whereas Air can also be a consciously adopted or affected manner. Ausstrahlung is more appropriate for a natural personal effect; Air is more precise for deliberate affectation.
Mit seiner vornehmen Air wollte er im Gespräch besonders wichtig wirken.
With his refined air, he wanted to seem especially important in the conversation.
Mit ihrer freundlichen Ausstrahlung machte sie den neuen Gästen den Empfang leichter.
Her friendly charisma made welcoming the new guests easier.
