dramatic tension / drama
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dramatic tension
The tense, stirring, or moving quality of an event or situation.
Die letzten Minuten des Spiels waren an Dramatik kaum zu überbieten.
The final minutes of the game could hardly have been surpassed in dramatic tension.
The word 'Dramatik' (dramatic tension / drama) is derived from 'das Drama' (drama). It refers either to the quality of being dramatic (m01) or to the literary genre of plays (m02).
Die Dramatik der Ereignisse wurde allen erst später bewusst.
The drama of the events only became clear to everyone later.
If it is about tension in a real event (e.g., sports, politics), the quality is meant (m01). If it is about literature, theater, or periods (e.g., Baroque, modernism), the literary genre is meant (m02).
Die Rettungsaktion war voller Dramatik.
The rescue operation was full of drama.
'Dramatik' (dramatic tension / drama) is an uncountable noun in both meanings and is therefore used without an article or in the singular with the definite article. It often appears with the preposition 'an', for example 'an Dramatik gewinnen' (to gain in dramatic tension).
Die Situation gewinnt stündlich an Dramatik.
The situation is becoming more dramatic by the hour.
When 'Dramatik' (drama) refers to the literary genre, it is often connected with a period or a nationality, for example 'die antike Dramatik' (ancient drama) or 'die englische Dramatik' (English drama).
Im Seminar haben wir die klassische deutsche Dramatik besprochen.
In the seminar, we discussed classical German drama.
tension / suspense / voltage
'die Spannung' and 'die Dramatik' can both describe a situation as exciting. 'die Spannung' especially means suspense or anticipation: you want to know how something will turn out, for example in a film, book, or game. 'die Dramatik' puts more emphasis on the emotional impact and the particular seriousness or intensity of a situation. A crime story often has Spannung because you are waiting for the solution. An accident or a very moving moment can have a lot of Dramatik. 'Dramatik' often sounds somewhat stronger and more serious than 'Spannung'.
Die Dramatik der Rettung war im ganzen Bericht deutlich zu spüren.
The dramatic tension of the rescue could be clearly felt throughout the report.
Bis zur letzten Minute blieb die Spannung im Fußballspiel groß.
The suspense in the football match remained high until the very last minute.