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die Fantasie
imagination
The human ability to imagine things that are not real or that one does not perceive; the power of imagination.
example
Ein gutes Buch regt die Fantasie des Lesers an.
A good book stimulates the reader's imagination.
die Fantasie
imagination / fantasy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Fantasie' (imagination / fantasy) is the basis for the adjective 'fantastisch' (fantastic). Something that comes from the imagination or stimulates it can be described as 'fantastisch'.
EXAMPLE
Kinder lieben fantastische Geschichten über Drachen und Zauberer.
Children love fantastic stories about dragons and wizards.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'Vorstellungskraft' (imagination), 'Fantasie' is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'seiner Fantasie freien Lauf lassen' (to let one's imagination run free), 'eine lebhafte Fantasie haben' (to have a vivid imagination), or 'die Fantasie anregen' (to stimulate the imagination).
EXAMPLE
Lassen Sie Ihrer Fantasie freien Lauf und gestalten Sie den Raum, wie er Ihnen gefällt.
Let your imagination run free and design the room however you like.
Context clue
When 'Fantasie' describes a concrete, unreal idea, it often appears with words like 'nur' (only / just), 'bloß' (merely), or 'reine' (pure). By contrast, 'die Fantasie' as a general ability refers to imagination itself.
EXAMPLE
Seine Angst vor Monstern unter dem Bett ist doch nur reine Fantasie.
His fear of monsters under the bed is really just pure fantasy.
Music context
You can clearly recognize the meaning as a piece of music from the context. The word is then used in connection with composers, instruments, or concerts.
EXAMPLE
Die Pianistin spielte eine Fantasie von Mozart.
The pianist played a fantasia by Mozart.
Compare with
Fantasie vs Traum
dream
'der Traum' and 'die Fantasie' both have to do with images and ideas in your mind. A 'Traum' often happens during sleep, but it can also be a big wish for your life. 'Fantasie' more often means the ability to imagine something, or an idea that is not real. Learners may confuse the words because both are not directly part of reality. A practical guide: for something during sleep or for a life wish, 'Traum' usually fits. When someone invents or imagines something, 'Fantasie' is more likely to fit.
Fantasie
Beim Schreiben der Geschichte hatte Lena viel Fantasie.
Lena used a lot of imagination when writing the story.
Traum
Nach dem Aufwachen konnte ich mich noch gut an meinen Traum erinnern.
After waking up, I could still remember my dream well.
In real life
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