dramatisch
dramatic
To a very large and usually negative extent; serious or far-reaching.
EXAMPLE
Die Situation der Flüchtlinge hat sich im Winter dramatisch verschlechtert.
The situation of the refugees has deteriorated dramatically in winter.
dramatisch
dramatic
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Meanings
dramatisch
dramatic
In a stirring, suspenseful, or theatrical way; full of emotions and conflicts.
EXAMPLE
Sie schilderte den Vorfall mit einer dramatischen Geste.
She described the incident with a dramatic gesture.
dramatisch
dramatic
Technical language: relating to drama, the dramatic arts, or theater.
EXAMPLE
Im Seminar analysierten wir die dramatische Struktur von Schillers Werken.
In the seminar, we analyzed the dramatic structure of Schiller's works.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'dramatisch' (dramatic) belongs to the word family of 'das Drama' (drama). This connection helps you understand the meanings that relate to suspense, conflict, or theater.
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungsaktion war sehr dramatisch.
The rescue operation was very dramatic.
Context clue
You can tell which meaning is intended from the noun: Does it refer to a situation or change (e.g., 'Folgen' (consequences)), to behavior (e.g., 'Geste' (gesture)), or to a work of art (e.g., 'Text' (text))?
EXAMPLE
Die dramatischen Auswirkungen des Sturms waren überall sichtbar.
The dramatic effects of the storm were visible everywhere.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'schwerwiegend' (serious), 'dramatisch' (dramatic) is often used to describe major changes. Typical combinations are 'dramatische Zunahme' (dramatic increase), 'dramatischer Rückgang' (dramatic decline), or 'dramatische Folgen' (dramatic consequences).
EXAMPLE
Der Klimawandel hat dramatische Folgen für die Umwelt.
Climate change has dramatic consequences for the environment.
Typical collocations
When it comes to theatrical behavior, 'dramatisch' (dramatic) often appears with nouns like 'Geste' (gesture), 'Pause' (pause), or 'Stimme' (voice). It can also be used as an adverb with verbs like 'schildern' (to describe) or 'darstellen' (to portray).
EXAMPLE
Er machte eine dramatische Pause, bevor er die Neuigkeit verkündete.
He made a dramatic pause before announcing the news.
Technical language
This meaning of 'dramatisch' (dramatic) is used almost exclusively in the technical language of literary or theater studies. It is very rare in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Der Kurs behandelt die dramatische Dichtung der Weimarer Klassik.
The course covers the dramatic poetry of Weimar Classicism.
Compare with
dramatisch vs drastisch
drastic
Dramatisch and drastisch can both describe a very significant change. Dramatisch usually emphasizes its alarming or serious extent. Drastisch places more emphasis on the fact that a change or measure is far-reaching and radical.
dramatisch
Wegen der langen Trockenheit ist der Wasserstand dramatisch gesunken.
Because of the prolonged drought, the water level has fallen dramatically.
drastisch
Wegen der langen Trockenheit hat die Stadt den erlaubten Wasserverbrauch drastisch reduziert.
Because of the prolonged drought, the city has drastically reduced the permitted water consumption.
In real life
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