nuance
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nuance
A fine, barely noticeable difference or subtle gradation in meaning, feeling, color, or sound.
In der Diplomatie ist jede Nuance in der Wortwahl von großer Bedeutung.
In diplomacy, every nuance in word choice is of great importance.
'Nuance' is a loanword from French. It is often used in elevated, educated, or formal language to express subtle differences.
Der Übersetzer hat jede Nuance des Originaltextes erfasst.
The translator captured every nuance of the original text.
To emphasize the subtlety of the difference, 'Nuance' (nuance) is often combined with adjectives such as 'fein' (fine), 'subtil' (subtle), 'leicht' (slight), or 'gering' (minor).
Es gibt eine feine Nuance zwischen den beiden Begriffen.
There is a fine nuance between the two terms.
To say where the subtle difference lies, German often uses the preposition 'in' followed by the dative. Typical patterns are 'Nuancen im Ton' (nuances in tone) or 'Nuancen in der Bedeutung' (nuances in meaning).
Er bemerkte eine Nuance von Ironie in ihrer Stimme.
He noticed a nuance of irony in her voice.
difference
'der Unterschied' and 'die Nuance' both have to do with difference. 'Unterschied' is the broad word and can refer to something small or large. 'Nuance', on the other hand, means a very fine difference that you often only notice when listening, looking, or thinking carefully. The word is especially suitable for language, feelings, colors, music, or meaning. The words can be confused because a nuance is also a difference. But not every difference is a nuance. If the difference is clear and important, you are more likely to say 'Unterschied'. If it is subtle and hard to recognize, 'Nuance' fits better.
In ihrer Stimme lag eine Nuance von Unsicherheit.
There was a nuance of uncertainty in her voice.
Der Unterschied zwischen den zwei Verträgen ist beim Preis sofort sichtbar.
The difference between the two contracts is immediately visible in the price.