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musikalisch
musical
Having an aptitude or special talent for music.
example
Sie ist sehr musikalisch und spielt Klavier und Geige.
She is very musical and plays the piano and violin.
musikalisch
musical
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'musikalisch' (musical) is derived from the noun 'die Musik' (music). The ending '-alisch' indicates affiliation and is often used with words that come from other languages.
EXAMPLE
Die musikalische Begleitung war perfekt auf den Sänger abgestimmt.
The musical accompaniment was perfectly matched to the singer.
Meaning in context
The exact meaning depends on the noun. If it refers to a person, it means 'talentiert' (talented). If it refers to a concept like 'Leitung' (direction/management), it means 'die Musik betreffend' (concerning music). If it refers to a voice, it means 'melodiös' (melodious).
EXAMPLE
Meine ganze Familie ist sehr musikalisch.
My whole family is very musical.
Describing talent
To express that someone has a talent for music, 'musikalisch' (musical) is often used predicatively with the verb 'sein' (to be). The structure is then: [person] ist musikalisch ([person] is musical).
EXAMPLE
Er ist nicht besonders musikalisch, aber er tanzt gern.
He is not especially musical, but he likes to dance.
Typical collocations
When it means 'die Musik betreffend' (concerning music), 'musikalisch' (musical) often comes before abstract nouns. Common combinations are: 'die musikalische Leitung' (the musical direction), 'die musikalische Früherziehung' (early childhood music education), or 'ein musikalisches Werk' (a musical work).
EXAMPLE
In vielen Kindergärten wird musikalische Früherziehung angeboten.
Many kindergartens offer early childhood music education.
Compare with
musikalisch vs harmonisch
harmonious
'musikalisch' and 'harmonisch' can both describe something pleasant in the area of music. However, 'musikalisch' often says that someone has a talent for music or that something has to do with music. 'harmonisch' means more that notes fit together well or that something feels balanced. This can also apply to colors, shapes, or relationships. Learners may confuse the words because both sound positive. For a gifted person, you say 'musikalisch'. For good interplay, a calm impression, or a peaceful relationship, 'harmonisch' is more precise.
musikalisch
Meine Schwester ist sehr musikalisch und spielt seit Jahren Klavier.
My sister is very musical and has been playing the piano for years.
harmonisch
Die Stimmen im Chor klingen heute besonders harmonisch.
The voices in the choir sound especially harmonious today.
In real life
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