01
Dur
major
In music, the term for a mode or key that is typically perceived as bright, clear, or cheerful. The opposite is minor.
example
Die Sonate ist in A-Dur komponiert.
The sonata is composed in A major.
Dur
major
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Meanings
Usage tips
No declension
'Dur' (major) is not declined when used as part of the name of a key. It always keeps its form, no matter which case the sentence is in.
EXAMPLE
Das Stück in C-Dur ist sehr bekannt.
The piece in C major is very well known.
Use as a suffix
The word 'Dur' (major) is attached directly to the letter of the key, often with a hyphen. It comes after the tonic, for example 'A-Dur' (A major) or 'Fis-Dur' (F-sharp major).
EXAMPLE
Beethovens 5. Sinfonie beginnt in c-Moll und endet in C-Dur.
Beethoven's 5th Symphony begins in C minor and ends in C major.
Register
'Dur' (major) is a technical term from music theory. It is used when talking about compositions, keys, or harmonies.
EXAMPLE
Im Musikunterricht lernen wir den Unterschied zwischen Dur und Moll.
In music class, we are learning the difference between major and minor.
Compare with
Dur vs Moll
minor
'Dur' and 'Moll' both belong to music and describe a key or tonal mode. They are opposites: 'Dur' often sounds brighter, clearer, or more cheerful, while 'Moll' sounds softer, sadder, or more reflective. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur with keys, chords, or songs. As a simple guide: a cheerful-sounding song is often in 'Dur' (major), while a melancholic-sounding song is often in 'Moll' (minor).
Dur
Das Kinderlied steht in Dur und klingt deshalb sehr fröhlich.
The children's song is in a major key, so it sounds very cheerful.
Moll
In Moll wirkt die Melodie viel ruhiger und trauriger.
In a minor key, the melody feels much calmer and sadder.
In real life
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