festive
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festive
In a solemn and special way that suits a celebration or special occasion. The term can refer to the atmosphere, decorations, clothing, a meal, or people's mood.
Zu Weihnachten war der ganze Raum festlich geschmückt.
At Christmas, the whole room was festively decorated.
The adjective 'festlich' (festive) is derived directly from the noun 'das Fest' (celebration, festival). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective meaning 'made as if for a celebration.'
Die Hochzeit war ein großes Fest mit vielen Gästen.
The wedding was a big celebration with many guests.
'Festlich' (festive) often describes things that belong to a special occasion. Common combinations are 'festliche Kleidung' (festive clothing), 'eine festliche Atmosphäre' (a festive atmosphere), 'ein festliches Essen' (a festive meal), or 'ein festlicher Anlass' (a festive occasion).
Für die Operngala wählte sie ein langes, festliches Kleid.
For the opera gala, she chose a long, festive dress.
'Festlich' (festive/festively) can also be used as an adverb to describe a verb. Especially common are the phrases 'sich festlich kleiden' (to dress festively) and 'etwas festlich schmücken' or 'dekorieren' (to decorate something festively).
Die Gäste wurden gebeten, sich für den Abend festlich zu kleiden.
The guests were asked to dress festively for the evening.
chic / stylish
'schick' and 'festlich' can both describe clothing or an appearance that looks especially good. 'schick' mainly means fashionable, elegant, or tasteful. You can also look 'schick' in everyday situations, for example at the office or in a restaurant. 'festlich' is used more for a special occasion, such as a wedding, a holiday, or a celebration. It can also describe the decorations, the food, or the mood. The words are easy to confuse because festive clothing is often also stylish. But 'festlich' emphasizes the occasion, while 'schick' emphasizes the style.
Der Saal sieht festlich aus, weil überall Kerzen und Blumen stehen.
The hall looks festive because there are candles and flowers everywhere.
Für das Abendessen hat Lena ein schickes Kleid angezogen.
Lena put on a stylish dress for dinner.