Byzantine
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Byzantine
Relating to the Byzantine Empire, its history, culture, or art.
Das byzantinische Reich existierte über tausend Jahre und hatte großen Einfluss auf Osteuropa.
The Byzantine Empire existed for over a thousand years and had a major influence on Eastern Europe.
Byzantine
In a figurative sense: overly complicated, opaque, hair-splitting, or marked by intrigue. Often refers to bureaucracy or negotiations.
Die internen Machtkämpfe in der Firma hatten schon fast byzantinische Züge.
The internal power struggles in the company had almost Byzantine features.
The adjective 'byzantinisch' (Byzantine) is derived from the historical name 'Byzanz' (Byzantium) for the city of Constantinople. It refers to the Eastern Roman Empire, whose capital was that city.
Im Museum gibt es eine große Sammlung byzantinischer Münzen.
The museum has a large collection of Byzantine coins.
In its historical meaning, 'byzantinisch' (Byzantine) is often combined with terms from art, culture, and history. Typical examples are 'byzantinische Kunst' (Byzantine art), 'byzantinische Architektur' (Byzantine architecture), or 'byzantinische Mosaike' (Byzantine mosaics).
Die byzantinische Baukunst ist für ihre beeindruckenden Kuppeln bekannt.
Byzantine architecture is known for its impressive domes.
The figurative meaning is used for complex, opaque systems and is often slightly negative. It is usually used in an elevated, formal style to describe bureaucracy or political negotiations, for example.
Die Verhandlungen waren von einer fast byzantinischen Komplexität geprägt.
The negotiations were marked by an almost Byzantine complexity.
You can tell whether the historical or figurative meaning is intended from the noun. If it refers to history or art, it is the literal meaning. If it refers to modern structures like 'Bürokratie' (bureaucracy), 'Verhandlungen' (negotiations), or 'Regeln' (rules), it is the figurative meaning.
Die byzantinische Bürokratie macht schnelle Entscheidungen unmöglich.
The Byzantine bureaucracy makes quick decisions impossible.
bureaucratic
Bürokratisch describes a process with many rules, forms, and cumbersome procedures. Byzantinisch can also refer to such a process, but emphasizes an exceptionally convoluted and opaque structure. Use bürokratisch for ordinary administrative hassle and byzantinisch for complexity that is almost impossible to understand.
Das Genehmigungsverfahren ist so byzantinisch, dass selbst die zuständigen Mitarbeiter es kaum verstehen.
The approval process is so Byzantine that even the responsible employees can barely understand it.
Das Genehmigungsverfahren ist bürokratisch, weil mehrere Formulare und Nachweise erforderlich sind.
The approval process is bureaucratic because several forms and supporting documents are required.
