casual
Describes an informal, relaxed, and laid-back style, especially in clothing. It contrasts with formal or elegant clothing.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party am Freitag ist der Dresscode 'casual'.
For the party on Friday, the dress code is 'casual'.
casual
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Meanings
casual
Refers to a relaxed, non-committal, or not very serious attitude or relationship between people.
EXAMPLE
Sie treffen sich nur casual, es ist nichts Festes.
They're only seeing each other casually; it's nothing serious.
Usage tips
Use in a sentence
The adjective 'casual' is usually used predicatively, after a verb like 'sein' (to be), or as an adverb. Declining it before a noun is possible, but less common.
EXAMPLE
Sein Kleidungsstil ist sehr casual.
His clothing style is very casual.
Context clues
You can tell from context whether clothing or a relationship is meant. Words like 'Outfit' (outfit), 'Look' (look), or 'Kleidung' (clothing) point to fashion style. Words like 'treffen' (to meet), 'Beziehung' (relationship), or 'Sache' (thing) indicate a non-committal interpersonal relationship.
EXAMPLE
Für das Bürofest ist ein casual Outfit passend.
A casual outfit is appropriate for the office party.
Typical collocations
In a fashion context, 'casual' is often used in fixed combinations. You often hear 'Casual Look', 'Casual Wear', or the dress code 'Business Casual'.
EXAMPLE
Viele Firmen haben einen „Casual Friday“, an dem man sich legerer kleiden darf.
Many companies have a 'Casual Friday', when you are allowed to dress more casually.
Compare with
casual vs locker
loose / relaxed
Both words can express a relaxed attitude between people. „Locker“ generally means informal and personal in this context. When describing a relationship, „casual“ more strongly indicates that it is non-committal or not meant to be very serious. Use „locker“ for a merely relaxed manner and „casual“ when the lack of commitment is the focus.
casual
Die beiden beschreiben ihre Beziehung als casual und ohne feste Pläne.
The two describe their relationship as casual, with no firm plans.
locker
Die beiden treffen sich locker, ohne dass ihre Freundschaft dadurch kompliziert wird.
The two see each other casually, without it making their friendship complicated.
In real life
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