der Koloss
colossus
A gigantic statue, usually of a human or deity.
EXAMPLE
Der Koloss beherrschte den Eingang zur antiken Stadt.
The colossus dominated the entrance to the ancient city.
der Koloss
colossus
der Koloss, die Kolosse
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Meanings
der Koloss
giant
A very large, heavy person, a large animal, or an especially large, massive thing.
EXAMPLE
Der Türsteher war ein Koloss von einem Mann.
The bouncer was a giant of a man.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Koloss, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kolosse |
| genitive | des Kolosses |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Koloss | die Kolosse |
| accusative | den Koloss | die Kolosse |
| dative | dem Koloss | den Kolossen |
| genitive | des Kolosses | der Kolosse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Expressive word
'Koloss' (colossus) usually has a vivid, figurative quality. The word is used especially in literary, journalistic, or descriptive texts when something impresses through its size or mass.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Hafenkran ragte wie ein Koloss über die Lagerhallen.
The new harbor crane towered over the warehouses like a colossus.
Typical collocations
With the meaning 'riesige Statue' (gigantic statue), 'Koloss' often occurs with verbs such as 'errichten' (to erect), 'darstellen' (to depict), 'beherrschen' (to dominate), or 'freilegen' (to uncover). The material or the person depicted is often mentioned as well.
EXAMPLE
Die Archäologen legten einen steinernen Koloss aus der Antike frei.
The archaeologists uncovered a stone colossus from antiquity.
Figurative collocations
For an especially large or heavy object, expressions such as 'ein stählerner Koloss' (a steel colossus), 'ein massiger Koloss' (a massive colossus), or 'ein schwerfälliger Koloss' (a cumbersome colossus) are used. They usually convey an impression of great physical bulk.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Frachtschiff war ein stählerner Koloss und brauchte lange zum Wenden.
The old cargo ship was a steel colossus and took a long time to turn.
In real life
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