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.
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The use of 'kolonial' (colonial) for goods like coffee or spices is outdated today.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.
imperial
'imperial' and 'kolonial' can both have to do with great empires, power, and history. 'imperial' refers to an empire or an emperor and often emphasizes grandeur, power, or imperial style. 'kolonial' refers to colonies or colonialism, that is, the rule of a state over distant territories and people. The words can be confused because empires often also had colonies. More precisely, though: 'imperial' fits an empire or emperor, while 'kolonial' fits colonies and colonial rule.
Im Museum sprechen wir über koloniale Geschichte und ihre Folgen.
In the museum, we talk about colonial history and its consequences.
Der Palast wirkt mit seinen hohen Säulen sehr imperial.
With its tall columns, the palace looks very imperial.