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prägnant
concise
Something formulated briefly, aptly, and clearly; brought to the point.
example
Sie fasste die komplexe Situation in einem prägnanten Satz zusammen.
She summarized the complex situation in a concise sentence.
prägnant
concise / striking
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
Careful: 'prägnant' means 'kurz und treffend' (brief and apt) or 'eindrücklich' (striking/impressive). It is a false friend of the English word 'pregnant', which is 'schwanger' in German.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Antwort war kurz und prägnant.
Her answer was short and concise.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the noun. In connection with language or ideas (sentence, formulation), 'prägnant' means brief and apt. In connection with visual things (architecture, face, feature), it means striking and memorable.
EXAMPLE
Er erklärte die Idee mit prägnanten Worten.
He explained the idea in concise words.
Typical collocations (language)
When it comes to communication, 'prägnant' is often combined with nouns such as 'Aussage' (statement), 'Formulierung' (wording), 'Zusammenfassung' (summary), or 'Titel' (title). You can also say 'sich prägnant ausdrücken' (to express oneself concisely).
EXAMPLE
Bitte fassen Sie die Ergebnisse prägnant zusammen.
Please summarize the results concisely.
Typical collocations (appearance)
When it comes to appearance, 'prägnant' often describes a 'Merkmal' (feature), a 'Design' (design), a 'Form' (shape), or a 'Stimme' (voice). It highlights a quality that stands out especially clearly.
EXAMPLE
Das Logo der Firma ist sehr prägnant und leicht wiederzuerkennen.
The company's logo is very striking and easy to recognize.
Register: elevated language
The word 'prägnant' belongs to a somewhat elevated style of language. It is often found in written language, specialist lectures, or formal discussions.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Analyse benennt er prägnant die Schwächen des Systems.
In his analysis, he concisely identifies the weaknesses of the system.
Compare with
prägnant vs kurz
short / brief
'kurz' and 'prägnant' can both fit texts, answers, or explanations. 'kurz' emphasizes that few words are used. 'prägnant' means that something is formulated briefly, clearly, and especially aptly. So a short explanation is not automatically 'prägnant'; it can also be unclear. 'prägnant' fits when the wording gets exactly to the core and is easy to remember.
prägnant
Die Präsentation meines Bruders ist prägnant und leicht zu verstehen.
My brother's presentation is concise and easy to understand.
kurz
Vor dem Termin schreibt sie eine kurze Nachricht an den Kunden.
Before the appointment, she writes a short message to the client.
In real life
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