01
neo
Used as a prefix or adjective to express that something is a new, modern, or revived form of an older style or movement.
example
Der Künstler ist ein Vertreter der Neo-Pop-Art.
The artist is a representative of Neo-Pop Art.
neo
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Neo-' is a prefix that comes from Greek and means 'new'. It is placed before another word to describe a modern form or revival of an older concept.
EXAMPLE
Der Neoklassizismus war eine wichtige Epoche in der Kunstgeschichte.
Neoclassicism was an important period in art history.
Use as a prefix
'Neo-' is almost always used as part of a compound word and attached directly to the main word. Sometimes a hyphen is added for better readability, especially with abbreviations or proper names.
EXAMPLE
Seine politischen Ansichten sind vom Neoliberalismus geprägt.
His political views are shaped by neoliberalism.
Typical contexts
The prefix 'neo-' is especially common in discussions about art styles, political movements, or philosophical schools of thought.
EXAMPLE
In der Architektur gibt es viele Beispiele für den Neo-Barock.
In architecture, there are many examples of Neo-Baroque.
Compare with
neo vs neu
new
'neu' and 'neo' both have to do with something new or modern. 'neu' is the normal word for things that were created, bought, or made different from before only a short time ago. 'neo' is used much less often. It usually appears in art, music, architecture, or movements and means a new or modern form of something older. The words can be confused because 'neo' also suggests 'new'. In everyday life, however, you almost always say 'neu'; 'neo' fits more with styles and special terms.
neo
Der Architekt beschreibt das Hotel als neo, weil es alte Formen modern aufnimmt.
The architect describes the hotel as neo because it takes up old forms in a modern way.
neu
Ich habe eine neue Jacke gekauft, weil die alte kaputt war.
I bought a new jacket because the old one was broken.
In real life
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