01
antik
ancient
Originating from or relating to the period of Greek or Roman antiquity.
example
Das Museum stellt viele antike Statuen aus.
The museum exhibits many ancient statues.
antik
ancient / antique
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'antik' (ancient/antique) depends heavily on the noun. In connection with history ('Rom' (Rome), 'Griechenland' (Greece)), it means 'from antiquity'. With objects ('Möbel' (furniture), 'Schmuck' (jewelry)), it means 'old and valuable'. With opinions ('Ansichten' (views)), it means 'old-fashioned'.
EXAMPLE
Er sammelt antike Münzen aus dem Römischen Reich.
He collects ancient coins from the Roman Empire.
Typical collocations
In historical contexts, 'antik' (ancient) is often used in fixed phrases such as 'das antike Griechenland' (ancient Greece), 'das antike Rom' (ancient Rome), or 'antike Philosophen' (ancient philosophers).
EXAMPLE
Die Ideen vieler antiker Philosophen sind heute noch relevant.
The ideas of many ancient philosophers are still relevant today.
Typical collocations
When talking about old objects, typical combinations are 'antike Möbel' (antique furniture), 'antiker Schmuck' (antique jewelry), or 'eine antike Uhr' (an antique clock/watch).
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Dachboden fanden wir eine alte Truhe mit antikem Schmuck.
In the attic, we found an old chest with antique jewelry.
Register and style
In the figurative meaning 'old-fashioned', 'antik' (old-fashioned) has an informal and usually critical or derogatory tone.
EXAMPLE
Seine Methoden zur Mitarbeiterführung sind einfach nur antik.
His methods for managing employees are simply old-fashioned.
Compare with
antik vs alt
old
'alt' and 'antik' can both say that something has existed for a long time. But 'alt' is the normal, general word: people, houses, clothing, or devices can be old. 'antik' is much more specific. It fits very old, often valuable things such as furniture, jewelry, or art, or things from Greek or Roman antiquity. Learners may confuse the words because 'antik' also means 'very old'. But not every old thing is antique. An old chair may simply be used; an antique chair is especially old and often has special value.
antik
Im Museum sehen wir eine antike Vase aus Rom.
At the museum, we see an ancient vase from Rome.
alt
Im Flur steht ein alter Schrank, den wir nicht mehr benutzen.
There is an old cabinet in the hallway that we no longer use.
In real life
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