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.
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' and 'exotisch' can both express that something is different and noticeable. 'ungewöhnlich' is more neutral and can be used very broadly: it can refer to behavior, weather, plans, or things. 'exotisch' is especially appropriate when something seems foreign, distant, tropical, or very distinctive. It can also be used for unconventional ideas, but then it sounds more strongly like striking and interesting. Not every unusual thing is exotic. 'exotisch' often has a special appeal or a foreign character.
Für das Abendessen kaufte mein Kollege eine exotische Frucht, die niemand kannte.
For dinner, my colleague bought an exotic fruit that no one knew.
Wegen des Wetters macht die Familie im Urlaub ungewöhnlich viele Ausflüge ins Museum.
Because of the weather, the family is making an unusually large number of trips to the museum during their vacation.