novelty
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novelty / first
Something that has not existed before; a novelty or something happening for the first time.
Dass eine Frau zur Kanzlerin gewählt wurde, war für Deutschland ein politisches Novum.
That a woman was elected chancellor was a political first for Germany.
'Novum' (novelty / first) is an elevated word and is rarely used in everyday conversation. It is typical of journalistic, academic, or formal contexts.
Die Entdeckung dieses Planeten war ein Novum für die Astronomie.
The discovery of this planet was a first for astronomy.
The word is often combined with adjectives such as 'absolut' (absolute), 'echt' (real), or 'politisch' (political) to emphasize the uniqueness of the event.
Dass die Konferenz online stattfand, war ein absolutes Novum.
That the conference took place online was an absolute first.
'Novum' (novelty / first) is often used with the verb 'sein' (to be) or 'darstellen' (to represent/constitute). To name the area in which something is new, the preposition 'für' (for) is often used.
Diese Entscheidung stellt ein Novum in der Geschichte des Unternehmens dar.
This decision constitutes a first in the history of the company.
novelty
Neuheit and Novum both refer to something that was previously unknown or had not existed before. Neuheit usually describes a new feature or a new product, while Novum highlights a notable event happening for the first time. Use Neuheit for things and products, and Novum especially for an extraordinary first-time event.
Dass unser kleines Theater ein Stück im Freien aufführt, ist in dieser Stadt ein Novum.
The fact that our small theater is putting on a play outdoors is a first for this city.
Die Neuheit im Sortiment ist eine leichte Trinkflasche aus einem neuen Material.
The new product in the range is a lightweight water bottle made from a new material.
