circus
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circus
An entertainment event, usually in a large tent, with performances by acrobats, clowns, and often animals as well. An alternative spelling of Zirkus.
Am Wochenende gehen wir mit den Kindern in den Circus, der in der Stadt gastiert.
At the weekend, we're going with the children to the circus that is performing in town.
'Circus' with 'C' is an older, Latin spelling. The more common and recommended German spelling today is 'Zirkus' with 'Z'.
Der Zirkus Krone ist einer der bekanntesten in Europa.
Circus Krone is one of the best-known circuses in Europe.
The meaning 'Durcheinander' (mess) or 'Aufwand' (effort/fuss) is purely colloquial and is often used in a slightly disparaging or ironic way.
Mach doch nicht wegen jeder Kleinigkeit so einen Circus!
Don't make such a fuss over every little thing!
In the colloquial meaning, the word is almost always used in the fixed expression 'einen Circus machen' (to make a fuss) or 'einen Circus veranstalten' (to put on a big fuss).
Als das Internet ausfiel, hat mein Kollege einen riesigen Circus gemacht.
When the internet went down, my colleague made a huge fuss.
When the entertainment show is meant, typical phrases are 'in den Circus gehen' (to go to the circus), 'im Circus arbeiten' (to work in the circus), or 'der Circus gastiert in der Stadt' (the circus is performing in town).
Als Kind wollte ich immer im Circus als Clown auftreten.
As a child, I always wanted to perform as a clown in the circus.
show
'die Show' and 'der Circus' can both be an entertainment event for an audience. 'Show' is very general and can take place in a theater, on television, or at a concert. 'Circus' is a special kind of event, usually in a large tent, with acrobats, clowns, and similar acts. So 'Show' describes the form of entertainment very broadly. 'Circus' names a specific traditional event.
Im Sommer kommt der Circus auf den großen Platz neben der Schule.
In summer, the circus comes to the big square next to the school.
Die Kinder waren begeistert, als die Show mit Musik und Licht begann.
The children were excited when the show began with music and lights.