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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
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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 erhaben
sublime / above
'olympisch' and 'erhaben' can both describe something grand, dignified, or inwardly calm. 'erhaben' is the more general word. It fits an impressive landscape, a solemn moment, or a person who is above petty problems. 'Olympisch' normally has to do with the Olympic Games. Only figuratively does it mean something majestic or very calm, for example in the phrase 'olympische Ruhe' (Olympian calm). When it is not about sports, 'olympisch' often sounds more figurative and more special than 'erhaben'.
olympisch
Trotz der lauten Kritik blieb die Chefin olympisch ruhig.
Despite the loud criticism, the boss remained Olympianly calm.
erhaben
Der Blick von den Bergen auf das Tal war still und erhaben.
The view from the mountains down into the valley was quiet and sublime.
In real life
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