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klassisch
classic
Typical, characteristic, or a textbook example of something.
example
Den Bus zu verpassen, weil man verschlafen hat, ist ein klassischer Montagmorgen.
Missing the bus because you overslept is a classic Monday morning.
klassisch
classic / classical
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'klassisch' (classic/classical) is closely related to the nouns 'die Klassik' (the classical period) and 'der Klassiker' (a classic example or a masterpiece).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Buch ist ein echter Klassiker der modernen Literatur.
This book is a true classic of modern literature.
Context clue
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'klassisch' (classic/classical) from the noun it describes. 'Klassische Musik' (classical music) refers to a period, a 'klassischer Fehler' (classic mistake) is a typical mistake, and 'klassisches Griechenland' (classical Greece) means antiquity.
EXAMPLE
Ein klassischer Fehler ist, den Schlüssel im Auto zu vergessen.
A classic mistake is forgetting the key in the car.
Colloquial use
In the meaning 'typical', 'klassisch' is often used in a slightly ironic or colloquial way to comment on a predictable, often negative situation.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe den Zug verpasst. Ein klassischer Start in die Woche!
I missed the train. A classic start to the week!
Use in the arts
When talking about art, 'klassisch' (classical) is often combined with the art form itself. Typical collocations are 'klassische Musik' (classical music), 'klassische Literatur' (classical literature), or 'klassisches Ballett' (classical ballet).
EXAMPLE
Sonntagmorgens hört mein Vater gerne klassische Musik.
On Sunday mornings, my father likes to listen to classical music.
Style and fashion
In the context of design, fashion, or architecture, 'klassisch' (classic) describes a timeless, elegant, and understated style that does not go out of fashion.
EXAMPLE
Für das Büro trägt er am liebsten klassische, dunkle Anzüge.
For the office, he prefers to wear classic, dark suits.
Compare with
klassisch vs modern
modern
'modern' and 'klassisch' can both describe a style, for example in clothing, furniture, music, or art. Often, however, they are opposites: 'modern' fits something new, current, or progressive. 'klassisch' is more suited to something traditional, timeless, or elegant. The words can be confused because both can sound positive. The difference is the perspective: 'modern' emphasizes the new, while 'klassisch' emphasizes what is tried and tested or timeless.
klassisch
Ich trage heute einen klassischen schwarzen Anzug.
Today I’m wearing a classic black suit.
modern
Die neue Küche ist hell, offen und sehr modern.
The new kitchen is bright, open, and very modern.
In real life
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