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.
'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.
natural / of course
'natürlich' and 'konstruiert' are opposites when talking about stories, explanations, or situations. In that context, 'natürlich' means that something seems believable, simple, and not artificial. 'konstruiert' means that something seems too artificial or awkwardly put together and is therefore not convincing. A natural explanation is easy to understand. A contrived explanation seems as if it was invented specifically to make it fit.
Der Zufall am Ende des Romans wirkt konstruiert und wenig glaubwürdig.
The coincidence at the end of the novel seems contrived and not very believable.
Die Lösung im Film wirkt natürlich und passt gut zur Geschichte.
The solution in the film seems natural and fits the story well.