olympisch
Olympic
Relating to or belonging to the Olympic Games.
EXAMPLE
Die Schwimmerin träumt von einer olympischen Medaille.
The swimmer dreams of an Olympic medal.
olympisch
Olympic
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Meanings
olympisch
Olympian
In a figurative sense: sublime, majestic, unshakable, or calm, like the Greek gods on Olympus.
EXAMPLE
Trotz der Hektik bewahrte sie eine olympische Ruhe.
Despite the hectic situation, she maintained an Olympian calm.
Usage tips
Dual origin
The word 'olympisch' (Olympic/Olympian) has two roots, which explain both meanings. It refers to 'Olympia' (Olympia), the site of the ancient athletic competitions, and to 'Olymp' (Olympus), the mountain of the Greek gods, who were considered sublime and unshakable.
EXAMPLE
Der olympische Geist steht für Fairness und Völkerverständigung.
The Olympic spirit stands for fairness and international understanding.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If people are talking about sports, competitions, or medals, the meaning 'belonging to the Olympic Games' is meant. If a person or their behavior is being described, the figurative meaning 'sublime, calm' is meant.
EXAMPLE
Turnen ist eine klassische olympische Disziplin.
Gymnastics is a classic Olympic discipline.
Typical collocations
In a sports context, 'olympisch' (Olympic) is often combined with fixed terms. Common collocations are 'olympische Spiele' (Olympic Games), 'olympische Disziplin' (Olympic discipline), 'olympisches Dorf' (Olympic Village), and 'olympisches Feuer' (Olympic flame).
EXAMPLE
Das olympische Feuer wird traditionell in Griechenland entzündet.
The Olympic flame is traditionally lit in Greece.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'olympisch' (Olympian) describes a superior inner attitude. Typical combinations are 'olympische Ruhe' (Olympian calm), 'olympische Gelassenheit' (Olympian composure), or 'olympische Gleichgültigkeit' (Olympian indifference).
EXAMPLE
Sie reagierte auf die Vorwürfe mit olympischer Gelassenheit.
She reacted to the accusations with Olympian composure.
Compare with
olympisch vs gelassen
calm
„Gelassen“ describes a calm and unflustered reaction in a neutral way. „Olympisch“ can also express unshakable calm, but it sounds lofty and almost superhuman. „Gelassen“ is usually appropriate for an ordinary calm reaction, while „olympisch“ suits a deliberately majestic portrayal.
olympisch
Im Roman erträgt die Königin die Beleidigung mit olympischer Ruhe.
In the novel, the queen endures the insult with Olympian calm.
gelassen
Im Gespräch reagiert die Chefin gelassen auf die Beleidigung.
During the conversation, the boss reacts calmly to the insult.
In real life
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