cliché
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cliché
Colloquial, predicative use of the noun 'das Klischee' (the cliché) to express that something corresponds to a strongly simplified, typical prejudice or outdated idea.
Ein Mann, der nur über Autos und Fußball redet? Das ist ja total Klischee.
A man who only talks about cars and soccer? That's totally cliché.
Although it is used like an adjective, 'Klischee' here is the predicative form of the noun. It always remains unchanged after verbs like 'sein' (to be) and is never placed before a noun or declined.
Die Handlung des Films ist pures Klischee.
The plot of the film is pure cliché.
The use of 'Klischee' in this form is typical of colloquial language. It is used to express directly, and often emotionally, that something corresponds to a stereotype.
Ein Mann, der nicht kochen kann? Das ist doch voll Klischee!
A man who can't cook? That's totally cliché!
In colloquial language, 'Klischee' is often intensified with adverbs such as 'total' (totally), 'voll' (totally), 'echt' (really), or 'pures' (pure) to emphasize the statement.
Ein Happy End in diesem Film wäre pures Klischee.
A happy ending in this film would be pure cliché.
typical
'typisch' and 'das Klischee' can both express that something matches a familiar image. 'typisch' is usually neutral: something fits a person, group, or situation well. 'Das Klischee' is used colloquially when this image seems very simple, exaggerated, or like a prejudice. That is why 'das ist Klischee' (that's cliché) can also sound critical. The words can be confused when something is very well known or expected. A good rule of thumb is: 'typisch' describes a real characteristic feature, while 'Klischee' is more of a simplified image.
Der Film zeigt den reichen Chef mit Zigarre; das ist wirklich Klischee.
The film shows the rich boss with a cigar; that is really cliché.
Der ruhige Ton ist typisch für ihre Art zu sprechen.
The calm tone is typical of her way of speaking.