medieval
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medieval
Related to the Middle Ages (roughly the 5th to 15th century) or originating from that time.
Die Altstadt hat noch viele gut erhaltene mittelalterliche Gebäude.
The old town still has many well-preserved medieval buildings.
The adjective is formed from 'das Mittelalter' (the Middle Ages) and the ending '-lich' (-ly/-al). So it literally means 'belonging to the Middle Ages'.
Auf dem Fest gab es mittelalterliche Musik und Tänze.
There was medieval music and dancing at the festival.
The context reveals the meaning. If the word refers to historical things like castles, cities, or art, it is meant neutrally. If it refers to methods, views, or conditions, it is usually negative and means 'backward'.
Wir besuchten eine mittelalterliche Burg in Frankreich.
We visited a medieval castle in France.
In its neutral, historical meaning, 'mittelalterlich' (medieval) often describes concrete things from this era. Typical combinations are 'eine mittelalterliche Stadt' (a medieval city), 'ein mittelalterlicher Markt' (a medieval market), or 'mittelalterliche Handschriften' (medieval manuscripts).
Die Forscher entzifferten eine mittelalterliche Handschrift.
The researchers deciphered a medieval manuscript.
In the figurative, negative meaning, 'mittelalterlich' (medieval) is often used with abstract nouns. Common examples are 'mittelalterliche Methoden' (medieval methods), 'mittelalterliche Zustände' (medieval conditions), or 'mittelalterliche Strafen' (medieval punishments).
Die Arbeitsbedingungen in dieser Fabrik sind absolut mittelalterlich.
The working conditions in this factory are absolutely medieval.
modern
'modern' and 'mittelalterlich' can be opposites when you compare present-day things or ways of thinking with very old ones. 'modern' describes something that fits the present day or seems progressive. 'mittelalterlich' can literally mean something from the Middle Ages, such as a castle. Used figuratively, it often sounds negative: then it means that something seems very backward or uncivilized. For real history, 'mittelalterlich' is neutral; for present-day conditions, it is usually critical.
Im Urlaub besichtigen sie eine mittelalterliche Stadtmauer.
On vacation, they visit a medieval city wall.
Für die neue Wohnung sucht er eine moderne Küche mit wenig Energieverbrauch.
For the new apartment, he is looking for a modern kitchen with low energy consumption.