kitsch
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kitsch
Art or objects that are perceived as tasteless because they are overly sentimental, garish, or designed for cheap effect. Kitsch is often regarded as aesthetically inferior.
Ihre Wohnung ist voller Porzellanfiguren und glitzernder Bilder – für mich ist das reiner Kitsch.
Her apartment is full of porcelain figurines and glittery pictures — to me, that's pure kitsch.
The word 'Kitsch' (kitsch) is an uncountable noun, similar to 'Musik' (music) or 'Glück' (luck/happiness). It is almost always used in the singular to describe the concept as a whole.
Für mich ist das alles nur Kitsch.
To me, all of that is just kitsch.
The very common adjective 'kitschig' (kitschy) is derived from the noun 'der Kitsch' (kitsch). It is used to describe objects or situations as tasteless or overly sentimental.
Ich finde den Film ein bisschen zu kitschig.
I find the film a bit too kitschy.
'Kitsch' (kitsch) is often combined with adjectives that emphasize its intensity, such as 'reiner Kitsch' (pure kitsch) or 'purer Kitsch' (pure kitsch). Common verbs are 'etwas als Kitsch empfinden' (to perceive something as kitsch) or 'etwas als Kitsch bezeichnen' (to describe something as kitsch).
Viele Leute empfinden Gartenzwerge als reinen Kitsch.
Many people perceive garden gnomes as pure kitsch.
Romanticism / romance
'die Romantik' and 'der Kitsch' can both have to do with strong feelings, beautiful images, or love. The important difference lies in the evaluation. 'Romantik' means an emotional or dreamy mood and can sound positive. 'Kitsch' is used when something seems too sugary, exaggerated, or tasteless. Learners may confuse the words because red roses, candles, or sunsets can be romantic, but they can also seem kitschy. So whether you say 'Romantik' or 'Kitsch' often depends on whether you find the mood beautiful or exaggerated.
Die goldenen Engel und die blinkenden Herzen im Schaufenster waren mir zu viel Kitsch.
The golden angels and flashing hearts in the shop window were too much kitsch for me.
Bei Kerzenlicht und leiser Musik kam im Restaurant echte Romantik auf.
With candlelight and soft music, real romance arose in the restaurant.