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monoton
monotonous
Uniform and without variety, causing something to be perceived as boring or tiring.
example
Die Arbeit am Fließband ist sehr monoton.
Work on the assembly line is very monotonous.
monoton
monotonous / monotone
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word comes from the Greek 'monos' (single, alone) and 'tonos' (tone). This origin explains both meanings: an activity with only one 'tone' (without variety) is boring, and a voice with only one 'tone' sounds uniform.
EXAMPLE
Das monotone Geräusch des Motors machte ihn schläfrig.
The monotonous sound of the engine made him sleepy.
Context clue
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If 'monoton' (monotonous / monotone) refers to an activity, a process, or a landscape, it means 'boring'. If it refers to a voice or a sound, it means 'uniform in tone'.
EXAMPLE
Sein Alltag war monoton und ohne Überraschungen.
His everyday life was monotonous and without surprises.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'langweilig' (boring), 'monoton' (monotonous) is often used to describe repetitive activities or an uneventful daily life. Typical phrases are 'monotone Arbeit' (monotonous work), 'monotone Bewegungen' (monotonous movements), or 'ein monotones Leben' (a monotonous life).
EXAMPLE
Nach stundenlanger monotoner Fahrt auf der Autobahn brauchte sie eine Pause.
After hours of monotonous driving on the highway, she needed a break.
Compare with
monoton vs langweilig
boring
'langweilig' and 'monoton' are close in meaning when something offers no variety. 'langweilig' mainly describes the effect on a person: you are not interested and feel bored. 'monoton' focuses more on the form: something stays the same, repeats itself, or sounds without variation. That is why 'monoton' fits well with work, noises, voices, or processes. Not everything boring is monotonous, but monotony can make something boring.
monoton
Die Stimme des Lehrers klang monoton, und viele wurden müde.
The teacher's voice sounded monotonous, and many people got tired.
langweilig
Nach zehn Minuten wurde das Spiel für die Zuschauer langweilig.
After ten minutes, the game became boring for the spectators.
In real life
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