exotic
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exotic
Originating from a distant, foreign country and therefore seeming unusual, foreign, or appealing. It is often associated with tropical or subtropical regions.
Auf dem Markt gab es viele exotische Früchte wie Litschis und Mangos.
At the market, there were many exotic fruits like lychees and mangoes.
unusual / unconventional
Extraordinary, unconventional, or extravagant, and therefore striking or interesting. In this meaning, it does not necessarily refer to geographical origin.
Sie hat einen ziemlich exotischen Musikgeschmack und hört am liebsten mongolischen Kehlgesang.
She has a pretty unusual taste in music and prefers listening to Mongolian throat singing.
The word contains the Greek prefix 'exo-', which means 'outside' or 'external'. Something 'Exotisches' (exotic) therefore comes from outside one's own familiar cultural sphere or is outside the norm.
Sie liebt es, exotische Gewürze beim Kochen zu verwenden.
She loves using exotic spices when cooking.
If 'exotisch' (exotic) refers to concrete things like plants, animals, or foods, it usually means they come from distant countries. If it refers to hobbies, opinions, or styles, it is more likely to mean 'unusual' or 'unconventional'.
Im botanischen Garten kann man viele exotische Pflanzen bewundern.
In the botanical garden, you can admire many exotic plants.
In the meaning 'fremdländisch' (foreign/exotic), 'exotisch' (exotic) is often combined with nouns such as 'Früchte' (fruits), 'Tiere' (animals), 'Pflanzen' (plants), 'Gewürze' (spices), or 'Reiseziel' (travel destination).
Für das Rezept brauche ich einige exotische Gewürze aus Asien.
For the recipe, I need some exotic spices from Asia.
When 'exotisch' (exotic) means 'außergewöhnlich' (unusual), it often describes abstract things such as a 'Geschmack' (taste, for music or art), a 'Hobby' (hobby), an 'Aussehen' (appearance), or a 'Schönheit' (beauty).
Er hat ein exotisches Hobby: Er sammelt Sand von Stränden aus aller Welt.
He has an unusual hobby: he collects sand from beaches all over the world.
unusual
Ungewöhnlich generally describes something that differs from what is expected and stands out. Exotisch can also seem unusual, but it often additionally suggests a distant, foreign, or tropical origin. Use ungewöhnlich for something that is merely conspicuous, and exotisch when there is a fitting sense of foreignness.
Die exotische Dekoration mit tropischen Pflanzen erinnerte an ein fernes Land.
The exotic decorations with tropical plants brought to mind a distant land.
Die ungewöhnliche Dekoration fiel allen Gästen sofort auf.
The unusual decorations immediately caught all the guests’ attention.
