conservative
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conservative
A political or social attitude that holds on to traditional values and existing structures and rejects sudden changes.
Er vertritt eher konservative Ansichten und ist skeptisch gegenüber modernen Reformen.
He tends to hold conservative views and is skeptical of modern reforms.
'Konservativ' (conservative) comes from the Latin 'conservare' and is related to the German verb 'konservieren' (to preserve). This basic idea of preserving helps explain all the meanings: from preserving traditions to preserving health without surgery.
Früher haben die Menschen Obst eingekocht, um es zu konservieren.
In the past, people boiled fruit to preserve it.
In political and social contexts, 'konservativ' (conservative) is often combined with nouns such as 'Partei' (party), 'Werte' (values), 'Einstellung' (attitude), or 'Politik' (politics/policy).
Viele Menschen in der Region haben eine konservative Einstellung.
Many people in the region have a conservative attitude.
In connection with numbers, finances, or plans, 'konservativ' (conservative) means something like 'vorsichtig' (careful) or 'risikoarm' (low-risk). An estimate is then deliberately set low in order to be on the safe side.
Bei der Projektplanung sollten wir lieber konservativ rechnen.
When planning the project, we should calculate conservatively.
In medicine, 'konservativ' (conservative) describes a treatment that avoids surgery. Instead, methods such as medication, physiotherapy, or splints are used.
Der Arzt empfahl zunächst eine konservative Therapie.
The doctor initially recommended conservative therapy.
With reference to clothing, furniture, or personal taste, 'konservativ' (conservative) means traditional, understated, and not following the latest fashion trends.
Er bevorzugt einen eher konservativen Kleidungsstil.
He prefers a rather conservative style of dress.
right / quite
'recht' and 'konservativ' can both describe a political or social attitude. 'konservativ' usually means that someone wants to hold on to traditions and existing rules, or has a more traditional style. 'recht' is more political and can sound stronger depending on the context; it describes a direction on the political spectrum. Learners may confuse the words because conservative parties are often considered rather right-wing. Still, not every conservative way of thinking is automatically strongly right-wing. For a cautious description, 'konservativ' is often more precise; for the political direction, you say 'rechts' or 'recht'.
Meine Großeltern haben eine konservative Einstellung zu Familie und Schule.
My grandparents have a conservative attitude toward family and school.
Die Partei wird in vielen Zeitungen als recht beschrieben.
The party is described as right-wing in many newspapers.