phrase
die Phrase, die Phrasen
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phrase
A group of words that forms a grammatical unit but does not make a complete sentence; also a fixed expression.
Die Phrase 'von Zeit zu Zeit' bedeutet 'manchmal'.
The phrase 'von Zeit zu Zeit' means 'from time to time' or 'sometimes'.
platitude
A meaningless, worn-out expression that is often used without any real substance.
Seine Entschuldigung war nur eine leere Phrase, er meinte es nicht ernst.
His apology was just an empty platitude; he didn't mean it seriously.
phrase
In music, a short, self-contained melodic section that forms a meaningful musical unit.
Der Pianist betonte jede musikalische Phrase mit großem Ausdruck.
The pianist emphasized each musical phrase with great expression.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Phrasen |
| genitive | der Phrase |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Phrase | die Phrasen |
| accusative | die Phrase | die Phrasen |
| dative | der Phrase | den Phrasen |
| genitive | der Phrase | der Phrasen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The meaning of 'Phrase' (phrase) depends heavily on the context. In language/grammar, it means a group of words. In everyday language, it often refers to a meaningless expression. In a musical context, it means a short melodic section.
Der Satz „der große, rote Ball“ ist eine Nominalphrase.
The expression 'the big red ball' is a noun phrase.
Der Dirigent erklärte dem Orchester, wie es die nächste Phrase spielen sollte.
The conductor explained to the orchestra how it should play the next phrase.
In the most common everyday meaning, 'Phrase' (phrase/platitude) is often used negatively. Typical combinations are 'leere Phrase' (empty phrase) or 'hohle Phrasen' (hollow phrases). The verb 'dreschen' (to thresh) is used in the expression 'Phrasen dreschen', which means 'to spout empty phrases'.
Seine Rede bestand nur aus leeren Phrasen ohne konkrete Vorschläge.
His speech consisted only of empty platitudes without any concrete proposals.
Politiker werfen sich oft gegenseitig vor, nur Phrasen zu dreschen.
Politicians often accuse each other of doing nothing but spouting empty phrases.
The meanings in the linguistic and musical fields are technical terms. They are mainly used by experts in these areas.
In der Linguistik unterscheidet man verschiedene Arten von Phrasen.
In linguistics, different types of phrases are distinguished.
Die Sängerin interpretierte jede musikalische Phrase mit viel Gefühl.
The singer interpreted each musical phrase with a lot of feeling.
expression / printout
The expression and the phrase can both refer to a linguistic unit. Ausdruck is the more general term for a word or Wendung, while Phrase refers to a grammatical or fixed unit that usually consists of several words. For a general designation, Ausdruck is appropriate; for the more precisely defined unit, Phrase is appropriate.
„Am Ende des Tages“ ist in diesem Satz eine feste Phrase.
In this sentence, „Am Ende des Tages“ is a fixed phrase.
Der Ausdruck „freundliche Grüße“ passt gut ans Ende der Nachricht.
The expression „freundliche Grüße“ works well at the end of the message.
