contrived / constructed
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contrived
Presented in an artificial, implausible, or awkward way. The term is often used negatively for a plot, coincidence, or justification that does not seem natural or convincing.
Die Handlung des Films wirkte an vielen Stellen sehr konstruiert und vorhersehbar.
The plot of the film seemed very contrived and predictable in many places.
constructed
Built, designed, or assembled according to a technical plan or design. This is the neutral, technical meaning as the participle of the verb 'konstruieren' (to construct).
Die Brücke ist so konstruiert, dass sie auch starken Winden standhält.
The bridge is constructed in such a way that it can withstand even strong winds.
'Konstruiert' (constructed/contrived) is the past participle of the verb 'konstruieren' (to construct), which means 'bauen' (to build) or 'entwerfen' (to design). As an adjective, it can have this neutral meaning or a negative one.
Der Ingenieur hat eine neue Maschine konstruiert.
The engineer constructed a new machine.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. If 'konstruiert' (constructed/contrived) refers to technical objects like a bridge or a device, it is neutral. If it refers to abstract things like a story, an excuse, or a coincidence, it is usually negative and means 'artificial' or 'implausible'.
Die Begründung für seine Verspätung klang sehr konstruiert.
The explanation for his delay sounded very contrived.
In the negative meaning, 'konstruiert' (contrived) is often used for things that are not convincing. Typical examples are: 'eine konstruierte Handlung' (a contrived plot), 'ein konstruierter Vorwurf' (a contrived accusation), or 'ein konstruierter Zusammenhang' (a contrived connection).
Der Kritiker fand die Zufälle in dem Roman zu konstruiert.
The critic found the coincidences in the novel too contrived.
In the technical meaning, 'konstruiert' (constructed) is often combined with an adverb that describes the type of construction. Common combinations are 'solide konstruiert' (solidly constructed), 'intelligent konstruiert' (intelligently constructed), or 'aufwendig konstruiert' (elaborately constructed).
Dieses Zelt ist speziell für extreme Wetterbedingungen konstruiert.
This tent is specially constructed for extreme weather conditions.
artificial
Künstlich and konstruiert can make a portrayal seem implausible or unnatural. Künstlich mainly emphasizes the lack of naturalness, whereas konstruiert suggests that the action or reasoning seems deliberately pieced together and invented. Use konstruiert when this planned construction is what stands out.
Die Gefühle in dem Werbespot wirkten konstruiert, weil jede Reaktion genau geplant war.
The emotions in the commercial seemed contrived because every reaction had been planned precisely.
Die Gefühle in dem Werbespot wirkten künstlich.
The emotions in the commercial seemed artificial.
