minor
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minor
In music, denotes a tonal mode (alongside major) that is often perceived as sad, soft, or melancholic.
Die Sonate wechselt von einem fröhlichen Dur zu einem nachdenklichen Moll.
The sonata changes from a cheerful major key to a reflective minor key.
In connection with a key, 'Moll' (minor) is treated like a name and is not declined. You say 'in c-Moll' (in C minor) or 'die Sonate in a-Moll' (the sonata in A minor).
Beethovens berühmte 5. Sinfonie steht in c-Moll.
Beethoven's famous 5th Symphony is in C minor.
'Moll' (minor) is often used in fixed musical terms. Common combinations are 'Moll-Akkord' (minor chord), 'Moll-Tonleiter' (minor scale), or 'Moll-Tonart' (minor key).
Ein Moll-Akkord besteht aus einem Grundton, einer kleinen Terz und einer reinen Quinte.
A minor chord consists of a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth.
'Moll' (minor) is a technical term from music theory. Outside this context, the word is practically not used.
Im Musikunterricht lernen wir den Unterschied zwischen Dur und Moll.
In music class, we learn the difference between major and minor.
major
'Dur' and 'Moll' both belong to music and describe a key or tonal mode. They are opposites: 'Dur' often sounds brighter, clearer, or more cheerful, while 'Moll' sounds softer, sadder, or more reflective. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur with keys, chords, or songs. As a simple guide: a cheerful-sounding song is often in 'Dur' (major), while a melancholic-sounding song is often in 'Moll' (minor).
In Moll wirkt die Melodie viel ruhiger und trauriger.
In a minor key, the melody feels much calmer and sadder.
Das Kinderlied steht in Dur und klingt deshalb sehr fröhlich.
The children's song is in a major key, so it sounds very cheerful.