colonial
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colonial
Relating to a colony or colonialism. Describes things connected with the rule of a state over a foreign territory and its population, such as the architecture, politics, or history of that period.
Viele Gebäude in der Altstadt haben noch einen typisch kolonialen Baustil.
Many buildings in the old town still have a typically colonial architectural style.
colonial goods
An outdated term referring to so-called colonial goods. In the past, this meant imported luxury foods and products from overseas, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or spices.
Der alte Kaufmannsladen führte noch ein Sortiment, das man früher als „kolonial“ bezeichnet hätte.
The old general store still carried a range of goods that would once have been called 'colonial'.
The adjective 'kolonial' (colonial) derives directly from the noun 'die Kolonie' (the colony). It describes qualities connected with a colony or the era of colonialism.
Die Ausstellung thematisiert die deutsche Kolonialgeschichte.
The exhibition addresses German colonial history.
'Kolonial' (colonial) is often used to describe historical, political, or cultural aspects. Common combinations are 'koloniale Vergangenheit' (colonial past), 'koloniale Architektur' (colonial architecture), 'kolonialer Stil' (colonial style), and 'koloniale Herrschaft' (colonial rule).
Das Museum zeigt Kunst aus der kolonialen Epoche.
The museum shows art from the colonial era.
The use of 'kolonial' (colonial) for goods like coffee or spices is outdated today. You find this usage almost only in historical texts or in old business names such as 'Kolonialwarenladen' (colonial goods store).
Früher verkaufte man in diesem Laden sogenannte Kolonialwaren.
In the past, so-called colonial goods were sold in this shop.
imperialist
Kolonial and imperialistisch can both describe foreign rule and power politics. Kolonial specifically refers to colonies, their populations, and colonialism, whereas imperialistisch more generally means extending a state's power over other countries. Use kolonial when there is a specific connection to colonialism; otherwise, imperialistisch is often the better choice.
Das Museum zeigt die koloniale Geschichte der Stadt und ihrer ehemaligen Überseegebiete.
The museum presents the city's colonial history and that of its former overseas territories.
Die imperialistische Politik des Staates sollte seinen Einfluss auf mehrere Nachbarländer ausdehnen.
The state's imperialist policy was intended to extend its influence over several neighboring countries.
