ode
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ode
A form of poem characterized by a solemn and elevated style. It is often addressed to a person or an idea and expresses admiration.
Friedrich Schillers „Ode an die Freude“ wurde von Beethoven vertont.
Friedrich Schiller's 'Ode to Joy' was set to music by Beethoven.
An ode is always addressed to someone or something. Therefore, it is almost always used with the preposition 'an' (to) and the accusative.
Der Dichter schrieb eine Ode an die Freiheit.
The poet wrote an ode to freedom.
In its original meaning, 'Ode' (ode) is a technical term from literature. It is used when talking about poems and poetry.
Im Deutschunterricht analysierten wir die Struktur einer klassischen Ode.
In German class, we analyzed the structure of a classical ode.
In a figurative sense, 'Ode' (ode) describes a very enthusiastic speech of praise. It often carries a slight hint of irony, because the praise is perceived as exaggerated.
Der Zeitungsartikel war eine einzige Ode an den neuen Film des Regisseurs.
The newspaper article was one big ode to the director's new film.
poem
'das Gedicht' and 'die Ode' both belong to lyric poetry, that is, texts in verse. 'Gedicht' is the general term. An 'Ode' is a special kind of poem: it sounds solemn and often expresses admiration for a person, an idea, or something grand. The words can be confused because an ode is also a poem. But 'Ode' is used only when the solemn and praising style is important. In everyday language, 'Gedicht' is much more neutral and general.
Der Dichter schrieb eine Ode an die Freiheit.
The poet wrote an ode to freedom.
Du kannst für den Wettbewerb ein Gedicht über Freundschaft schreiben.
You can write a poem about friendship for the competition.