Gothic
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Gothic
Relating to the art and architectural style of the European Middle Ages (approximately the 12th to 16th centuries), characterized by pointed arches, high vaults, and large windows.
Der Kölner Dom ist ein berühmtes Beispiel für eine gotische Kathedrale.
Cologne Cathedral is a famous example of a Gothic cathedral.
To understand the meaning of 'gotisch' (Gothic), pay attention to the context. Is it about architecture and art history (church, cathedral, architectural style), a modern subculture (scene, music, clothing), or an ancient people from history (language, tribes)?
Im Kunstunterricht haben wir die Merkmale gotischer Bauwerke besprochen.
In art class, we discussed the features of Gothic buildings.
In the context of architecture, 'gotisch' (Gothic) is often combined with specific nouns. Common collocations are 'gotischer Baustil' (Gothic architectural style), 'gotische Kathedrale' (Gothic cathedral), or 'gotisches Gewölbe' (Gothic vault).
Die hohen Spitzbögen sind typisch für den gotischen Baustil.
The tall pointed arches are typical of the Gothic architectural style.
When it is about the modern subculture, you often find 'gotisch' (Gothic) in combinations like 'die gotische Szene' (the Gothic scene), 'gotische Musik' (Gothic music), or 'gotische Kleidung' (Gothic clothing).
Auf dem Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig versammelt sich jedes Jahr die gotische Szene.
At the Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig, the Gothic scene gathers every year.
The meaning that refers to the historical people of the Goths is used almost exclusively in specialist texts in history or linguistics.
Historiker untersuchen die Wanderungen der gotischen Stämme durch Europa.
Historians study the migrations of the Gothic tribes through Europe.
medieval
'mittelalterlich' and 'gotisch' can both describe something from the Middle Ages. The difference is in how broad they are: 'mittelalterlich' is general and fits anything that has to do with the Middle Ages, for example clothing, castles, or history. 'gotisch' is more precise and mainly refers to a specific art and architectural style with tall windows, pointed arches, and vaults. Learners may confuse the words because Gothic churches are medieval. But not everything medieval is Gothic.
Die gotischen Fenster der Kirche sind hoch und schmal.
The Gothic windows of the church are tall and narrow.
In der Altstadt stehen noch mehrere mittelalterliche Häuser.
There are still several medieval houses in the old town.