melancholic
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melancholic
Describing a state of thoughtful sadness, melancholy, or world-weariness. A melancholic person, mood, or even work of art is often quiet, inward-looking, and marked by a slight, often vague sadness.
Die langsame Klaviermusik hatte eine sehr melancholische Wirkung auf ihn.
The slow piano music had a very melancholic effect on him.
The adjective 'melancholisch' (melancholic) is derived from the noun 'die Melancholie' (melancholy). The ending '-isch' is a typical ending used to form adjectives from nouns.
Nach dem Abschied war sie in einer melancholischen Stimmung.
After the farewell, she was in a melancholic mood.
'Melancholisch' (melancholic) often describes a particular atmosphere or a work of art. Common combinations are: a melancholic mood, melancholic music, a melancholic film, or a melancholic look.
Der Herbstregen und der Nebel erzeugten eine melancholische Atmosphäre.
The autumn rain and the fog created a melancholic atmosphere.
The word belongs more to elevated or literary language. It expresses a deeper, more reflective form of sadness.
In seinen Gedichten schlug der Autor oft einen melancholischen Ton an.
In his poems, the author often struck a melancholic tone.
sad
'traurig' and 'melancholisch' can both describe a sad mood. 'traurig' is the normal, direct word when someone is feeling sorrow or is dejected. 'melancholisch' describes more of a quiet, thoughtful sadness. It is often not as clearly tied to a specific reason. The word also fits well with music, films, or a mood. Learners may confuse the words because both are not cheerful. If someone is simply crying or suffering because of some news, 'traurig' is more natural. If the mood is calm, deep, and thoughtful, 'melancholisch' fits better.
Im Park hörte Lisa ein melancholisches Lied und wurde ganz still.
In the park, Lisa heard a melancholic song and became very quiet.
Die Familie ist traurig, weil der Ausflug ausfallen muss.
The family is sad because the trip has to be canceled.