cult
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cult
Describes something (e.g., a film, a book, a band) that is passionately admired by a particular group of people and has achieved a special, often nostalgic status. The word is used almost exclusively predicatively.
Dieser Film aus den 80ern ist heute absoluter Kult.
This film from the 80s is now an absolute cult classic.
This word is used almost only predicatively, that is, after a verb such as 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become), e.g. 'Der Film ist Kult' (The film is a cult classic). Attributive use before a noun, e.g. 'ein kulter Film', is very rare and sounds unnatural.
Die Musik dieser Band ist in den USA schon lange Kult.
This band's music has long had cult status in the USA.
The adjective 'kult' is derived from the noun 'der Kult'. While the noun can also mean religious worship, the adjective 'kult' refers almost exclusively to pop-culture phenomena (films, music, fashion) that have a loyal fan base.
Dieses Auto aus den 70ern wurde schnell zum Kult.
This car from the 70s quickly became a cult classic.
Common phrases are 'absoluter Kult sein' (to be an absolute cult classic) or 'zum Kult werden' (to become a cult classic). Things described as 'Kult' are often films, TV series, bands, books, or also certain brands and products.
Die Serie wurde erst Jahre nach ihrer Absetzung zum Kult.
The series only became a cult classic years after it was canceled.
popular
'beliebt' and 'Kult' can both express that many people really like something. But 'beliebt' is much more general: a teacher, a restaurant, or a song can be 'beliebt'. 'Kult' is used for things like films, series, bands, or games that have a special status for a particular group. Fans often love this thing very much and associate memories with it. Learners may confuse the words because both sound positive. 'beliebt' is broad and neutral; 'Kult' only fits when something feels almost like a classic for fans.
Diese alte Serie ist bei vielen Fans bis heute Kult.
This old series is still a cult classic among many fans today.
Frau Becker ist bei den Schülern beliebt, weil sie alles ruhig erklärt.
Ms. Becker is popular with the students because she explains everything calmly.