amerikanisch
American
Relating to the United States of America (USA), its inhabitants, its culture, or its politics.
EXAMPLE
Er liebt amerikanische Filme und Fast Food.
He loves American films and fast food.
amerikanisch
American
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Meanings
amerikanisch
American
Relating to the entire American continent (North and South America).
EXAMPLE
Die Anden sind eine amerikanische Gebirgskette.
The Andes are an American mountain range.
Usage tips
Context clue
Most of the time, 'amerikanisch' (American) refers to the USA. If the whole continent is meant, this is often made clear by the context (e.g., geography, biology) or by additional words such as 'der amerikanische Kontinent' (the American continent).
EXAMPLE
Viele verbinden mit der amerikanischen Kultur vor allem Hollywood-Filme.
Many people associate American culture above all with Hollywood films.
Common mistake
In German, adjectives derived from geographical names ending in '-isch' are written in lowercase. This is an important difference from English, where they are capitalized.
EXAMPLE
Sie liest gerne amerikanische Literatur im Original.
She enjoys reading American literature in the original.
Typical collocations
In connection with the USA, 'amerikanisch' (American) is often used for cultural or political terms. Typical examples are 'der amerikanische Traum' (the American dream), 'ein amerikanischer Präsident' (an American president), or 'amerikanische Popkultur' (American pop culture).
EXAMPLE
Der amerikanische Traum verspricht Erfolg durch harte Arbeit.
The American dream promises success through hard work.
Compare with
amerikanisch vs nordamerikanisch
North American
When referring to the USA, both „amerikanisch“ and „nordamerikanisch“ are possible. In ordinary German usage, „amerikanisch“ usually refers specifically to the USA. „Nordamerikanisch“ places something on the larger continent of North America, which also includes countries such as Canada.
amerikanisch
Chicago ist eine amerikanische Stadt.
Chicago is an American city.
nordamerikanisch
Chicago ist eine nordamerikanische Stadt.
Chicago is a North American city.
In real life
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