encyclopedia
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encyclopedia
A comprehensive reference work that presents knowledge from many different areas or from a specific field in alphabetical or systematic order.
Für seine Recherche nutzte er eine alte Enzyklopädie aus der Bibliothek.
For his research, he used an old encyclopedia from the library.
'Enzyklopädie' (encyclopedia) is an international word that comes from Greek. You will recognize it in a similar form in many other languages, which makes it easier to understand.
Wikipedia ist eine bekannte Online-Enzyklopädie.
Wikipedia is a well-known online encyclopedia.
The most common action in connection with an encyclopedia is 'nachschlagen' (to look up). You look up a term in the encyclopedia in order to find information.
Ich musste das Wort in einer medizinischen Enzyklopädie nachschlagen.
I had to look up the word in a medical encyclopedia.
Common adjectives are 'gedruckt' (printed) or 'digital' (digital) to describe the format, or 'umfassend' (comprehensive) and 'mehrbändig' (in multiple volumes) to describe the scope.
Meine Großeltern besitzen eine mehrbändige Enzyklopädie in ihrem Wohnzimmer.
My grandparents own a multi-volume encyclopedia in their living room.
encyclopedia
A Lexikon and an Enzyklopädie are both reference works, and both can be arranged alphabetically. Lexikon often suggests a more compact work, whereas Enzyklopädie tends to suggest a comprehensive reference work or a detailed treatment. Use Lexikon for a brief overview and Enzyklopädie for a broader range of topics.
Für das Referat nutzte ich eine umfangreiche Enzyklopädie zur Geschichte Europas.
I used a comprehensive encyclopedia on European history for my presentation.
Für die kurze Erklärung schlug ich den Begriff im Lexikon nach.
I looked up the term in the encyclopedia for the brief explanation.
