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der Pop
pop
A style of popular music characterized by catchy melodies and simple structures. Short form of Popmusik.
example
Madonna gilt als die „Queen of Pop“.
Madonna is considered the 'Queen of Pop'.
der Pop
pop
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The two meanings can be distinguished easily from context. If it's about music, bands, or songs, it refers to the music genre. If it's about the body, falls, or children, it refers to the buttocks.
EXAMPLE
Im Radio läuft den ganzen Tag nur Pop.
The radio plays nothing but pop all day.
Word family
'Pop' is the basis for many familiar words related to music. These include 'Popmusik' (pop music), 'Popsong' (pop song), 'Popstar' (pop star), or 'Popkultur' (pop culture).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Popsong war im Sommer ein großer Hit.
This pop song was a big hit in the summer.
Use without an article
When talking about the music genre in general, 'Pop' is often used without an article, similar to 'Rock', 'Jazz', or 'Klassik' (classical music).
EXAMPLE
Hörst du lieber Pop oder Rock?
Do you prefer listening to pop or rock?
Register and style
The meaning 'Gesäß' (buttocks) is very colloquial and is often used in children's language. In formal situations, the word is inappropriate.
EXAMPLE
„Aua, ich bin auf den Pop gefallen!“, rief das kleine Mädchen.
'Ouch, I fell on my bottom!' cried the little girl.
Compare with
Pop vs Rock
skirt / rock
'der Rock' and 'der Pop' can both refer to music genres. Both belong to popular music and often appear on the radio, at concerts, or in playlists. 'Rock' is usually more strongly shaped by guitars, drums, and powerful vocals. 'Pop' often has catchy melodies and is usually lighter and made for a broader audience. The words can be confused because many songs have elements of both styles. When guitars and a harder sound are the main focus, you are more likely to say 'Rock'. For simple, catchy songs, you are more likely to say 'Pop'.
Pop
Im Radio läuft heute viel Pop mit einfachen Melodien.
There is a lot of pop with simple melodies on the radio today.
Rock
Mein Bruder hört gern Rock, besonders wenn die Gitarren laut sind.
My brother likes listening to rock, especially when the guitars are loud.
In real life
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