hardcore
Extreme, uncompromising, or very intense with regard to a belief, hobby, or activity.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein Hardcore-Gamer und spielt oft die ganze Nacht durch.
He is a hardcore gamer and often plays all night.
hardcore
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
hardcore
Refers to a style of music, especially punk or electronic music, characterized by high speed, aggression, and intensity.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Festival gab es eine eigene Bühne nur für Hardcore-Techno.
At the festival, there was a separate stage just for hardcore techno.
hardcore
Refers to the most explicit form of pornography, which shows sexual acts without concealment.
EXAMPLE
Der Jugendschutzfilter blockiert den Zugriff auf Hardcore-Inhalte.
The parental-control filter blocks access to hardcore content.
Usage tips
Sentence structure and declension
As an English loanword, 'hardcore' is often not declined when it comes before a noun. Both forms, 'ein hardcore Fan' (a hardcore fan) and 'ein Hardcore-Fan' (a hardcore fan), are common in colloquial language.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist ein hardcore Fan dieser Band und reist zu jedem Konzert.
She is a hardcore fan of this band and travels to every concert.
Register and style
The word 'hardcore' belongs to modern colloquial language and youth slang. It is rarely used in formal or official texts.
EXAMPLE
Die Fans der Mannschaft sind wirklich hardcore, sie unterstützen ihr Team bei jedem Wetter.
The team's fans are really hardcore; they support their team in any weather.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'extrem' (extreme), 'hardcore' is often used as part of a compound to describe a person or activity. Typical examples are 'Hardcore-Fan' (hardcore fan), 'Hardcore-Gamer' (hardcore gamer), or 'Hardcore-Training' (hardcore training).
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Hardcore-Training braucht man eine sehr gute Kondition.
For this hardcore training, you need to be in very good shape.
Important context
Be aware that 'hardcore' also has a very specific meaning in the context of pornography and describes the most explicit form. This meaning is widespread and should be understood to avoid misunderstandings.
EXAMPLE
Die Website wurde wegen ihrer Hardcore-Inhalte gesperrt.
The website was blocked because of its hardcore content.
Compare with
hardcore vs extrem
extreme
Both words can describe particularly intense activity or strong commitment. „Extrem“ mainly indicates a very high degree, whereas „hardcore“ additionally expresses uncompromising dedication and has a more scene-specific, slang-like flavor. Use „extrem“ neutrally and „hardcore“ when this particular attitude is meant to come across.
hardcore
Sie ist hardcore engagiert und trainiert jeden Tag.
She is hardcore committed and trains every day.
extrem
Sie ist extrem engagiert und trainiert jeden Tag.
She is extremely committed and trains every day.
In real life
Loading video examples...