Napoleonic
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Napoleonic
Refers to the person Napoleon Bonaparte, his period of rule (approx. 1799–1815), his policies, his military, or his style.
Viele Gesetze in europäischen Ländern basieren auf dem napoleonischen Code Civil.
Many laws in European countries are based on the Napoleonic Code Civil.
The adjective 'napoleonisch' (Napoleonic) is derived directly from the proper name 'Napoleon'. The ending '-isch' is a typical German ending used to form adjectives from nouns, especially names and places.
Die Ausstellung zeigt Kunst aus der napoleonischen Epoche.
The exhibition shows art from the Napoleonic era.
'Napoleonisch' (Napoleonic) is almost always used in fixed combinations that refer to history, law, and the military. Common combinations are 'die napoleonischen Kriege' (the Napoleonic Wars), 'die napoleonische Zeit' (the Napoleonic period), or 'das napoleonische Recht' (Napoleonic law).
Die napoleonischen Kriege haben die Landkarte Europas verändert.
The Napoleonic Wars changed the map of Europe.
This adjective is mainly used in historical, political, or legal contexts. It rarely appears in normal everyday language unless you are talking about history.
Der Historiker hielt einen Vortrag über die napoleonische Verwaltungsreform.
The historian gave a lecture on the Napoleonic administrative reform.
imperial
'kaiserlich' and 'napoleonisch' can both appear in historical texts, especially when the topic is rule, power, or an empire. 'kaiserlich' is more general and refers to an emperor or an empire. 'napoleonisch' is much more specific and means Napoleon Bonaparte, his era, his policies, or his military. The words can be confused because Napoleon himself was an emperor. Even so, 'napoleonisch' only fits when Napoleon or his era is really meant. For other emperors or empires, you say 'kaiserlich'.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir heute über die napoleonischen Kriege.
In history class today, we are talking about the Napoleonic Wars.
Im Museum sahen wir eine kaiserliche Krone aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.
In the museum, we saw an imperial crown from the 18th century.