die Kulisse
set
The painted backgrounds and movable parts of the stage design in theater or film.
EXAMPLE
Für das Stück wurde eine beeindruckende Kulisse einer alten Burg aufgebaut.
An impressive set of an old castle was built for the play.
die Kulisse
set / backdrop
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Meanings
die Kulisse
backdrop
The background or surroundings against which something takes place; the atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Die Alpen boten eine atemberaubende Kulisse für unsere Wanderung.
The Alps provided a breathtaking backdrop for our hike.
hinter den Kulissen
behind the scenes
In secret, without the public finding out about it.
EXAMPLE
Hinter den Kulissen wurde bereits über einen Nachfolger für den Chef verhandelt.
Behind the scenes, negotiations were already taking place about a successor for the boss.
Usage tips
Literal and figurative
'Kulisse' can literally be the stage set in a theater. Figuratively, however, it also describes an impressive setting or background in real life, for example a landscape.
EXAMPLE
Die Kulisse für den zweiten Akt wurde schnell umgebaut.
The set for the second act was quickly rebuilt.
Typical adjectives
In the figurative meaning, 'Kulisse' is often combined with strong adjectives that describe a visual impression. Typical phrases are 'atemberaubende Kulisse' (breathtaking backdrop), 'malerische Kulisse' (picturesque backdrop), or 'beeindruckende Kulisse' (impressive backdrop).
EXAMPLE
Von der Bergspitze hatten wir eine atemberaubende Kulisse.
From the mountaintop, we had a breathtaking backdrop.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'hinter den Kulissen' (behind the scenes) is very common. It means that something happens in secret or without the public's knowledge.
EXAMPLE
Die eigentlichen Entscheidungen werden oft hinter den Kulissen getroffen.
The real decisions are often made behind the scenes.
Compare with
Kulisse vs Hintergrund
background
Der Hintergrund (background) is the rear part of a picture or scene. Die Kulisse (backdrop) refers to the visible surroundings that provide the setting or atmosphere for an action. Hintergrund fits a spatial position; when the surroundings are meant as an effective setting, Kulisse fits.
Kulisse
Auf dem Foto bilden schneebedeckte Berge die Kulisse für die Feier.
Snow-covered mountains form the backdrop for the celebration in the photo.
Hintergrund
Auf dem Foto sind im Hintergrund schneebedeckte Berge zu sehen.
Snow-covered mountains can be seen in the background of the photo.
In real life
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