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Originating from a past geological era and preserved as a fossil. This meaning is also used in the phrase 'fossile Brennstoffe' (fossil fuels) for energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Im Museum sind viele fossile Überreste von Dinosauriern ausgestellt.
Many fossil remains of dinosaurs are on display in the museum.
The most important and most common combination is 'fossile Brennstoffe' (fossil fuels). This term includes energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which formed millions of years ago.
Die Verbrennung fossiler Brennstoffe trägt zum Klimawandel bei.
The burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change.
The figurative meaning 'veraltet' (outdated) is colloquial and is often used in a slightly derogatory or ironic way to describe ideas, technologies, or opinions as backward.
Ein Telefon ohne Internet? Das ist ja total fossil!
A phone without internet? That's totally outdated!
The literal meaning refers to scientific contexts (geology, energy) and concrete things. The figurative, colloquial meaning always refers to abstract concepts such as views, methods, or technology.
In der Höhle entdeckten Forscher fossile Knochen.
Researchers discovered fossil bones in the cave.
modern
'modern' and 'fossil' can form an opposite pair when 'fossil' is used colloquially for something completely outdated. 'modern' then means: new, current, and suited to the present day. In this use, 'fossil' sounds stronger and often derogatory, roughly like: This really no longer belongs in today’s world. Important: 'fossil' also has a technical meaning, for example with fossils or fossil fuels. In this contrast, however, it is about the figurative meaning 'outdated'.
Diese fossile Denkweise passt nicht mehr zu einem offenen Team.
This fossil way of thinking no longer suits an open-minded team.
Für die neue Praxis kauft Mina moderne Geräte.
Mina is buying modern equipment for the new practice.