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dekorativ
decorative
Serving to decorate or beautify something; ornamental, decorative.
example
Die Schale ist rein dekorativ und nicht zum Essen gedacht.
The bowl is purely decorative and not meant for eating.
dekorativ
decorative
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Dekorativ' belongs to the word family of 'dekorieren' (to decorate) and 'die Dekoration' (decoration). All of these words have to do with making things more beautiful.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein sehr dekoratives Talent.
She has a very decorative talent.
Typical collocation
The combination 'rein dekorativ' (purely decorative) is very common. It emphasizes that an object is only meant to be looked at and not intended for practical use.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Bücher im Regal sind nur rein dekorativ.
The old books on the shelf are only purely decorative.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the fact that 'dekorativ' refers to abstract things such as a 'Rolle' (role), a 'Funktion' (function), or a 'Position' (position).
EXAMPLE
Der Beirat hatte nur eine dekorative Funktion ohne wirkliche Entscheidungsgewalt.
The advisory board had only a decorative function without any real decision-making power.
Compare with
dekorativ vs schlicht
simple / plain
'schlicht' and 'dekorativ' both describe how something looks or is designed. Here, however, they are opposites. 'schlicht' fits when something is simple, calm, and without many details. 'dekorativ' fits when something is mainly meant to decorate or look nicer. A 'schlicht' object often does not stand out much; a 'dekorativ' object is more likely meant to catch the eye.
dekorativ
Die bunten Kissen auf dem Sofa sind sehr dekorativ.
The colorful cushions on the sofa are very decorative.
schlicht
Emil hat nach dem Essen eine schlichte Holzbank in den Garten gestellt.
After the meal, Emil put a simple wooden bench in the garden.
In real life
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