North American
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North American
Relating to the continent of North America, its countries (especially the USA and Canada), or its inhabitants.
Das nordamerikanische Freihandelsabkommen hat die Wirtschaft der Region stark beeinflusst.
The North American Free Trade Agreement strongly influenced the region's economy.
The word is clearly structured: it combines the continent 'Nordamerika' (North America) with the ending '-isch' (-ish/-an), which expresses belonging or association. 'Nordamerika' itself consists of 'Nord' (north) and 'Amerika' (America).
Viele nordamerikanische Städte haben ein schachbrettartiges Straßennetz.
Many North American cities have a grid-like street network.
As a normal adjective, 'nordamerikanisch' (North American) is written in lowercase. But when it refers to a person and is used as a noun, it is capitalized: 'der Nordamerikaner' (the North American man) or 'die Nordamerikanerin' (the North American woman).
Die nordamerikanische Kultur ist sehr vielfältig.
North American culture is very diverse.
Although North America geographically also includes Mexico, 'nordamerikanisch' (North American) is often used in German in a narrower sense for the USA and Canada. The exact context is therefore important.
Der Film ist eine typisch nordamerikanische Produktion aus Hollywood.
The film is a typically North American production from Hollywood.
American
'amerikanisch' and 'nordamerikanisch' can both refer to America, but they are not equally specific. In everyday language, 'amerikanisch' very often means the USA, for example American music or American politics. However, it can also mean the entire American continent. 'nordamerikanisch', on the other hand, means North American, so especially the USA and Canada, and sometimes other countries in North America. Learners may confuse the words because the USA is in North America. If you only mean the USA, 'amerikanisch' is usually natural. If you mean the region of North America as a whole, 'nordamerikanisch' is more precise.
Im Geografieunterricht sprechen wir über nordamerikanische Städte wie Toronto und Chicago.
In geography class, we talk about North American cities like Toronto and Chicago.
Meine Freundin sieht gern amerikanische Serien.
My friend likes watching American series.