01
preußisch
Prussian
Relating to the historical state of Prussia, its inhabitants, its culture, or its history.
example
Das Schloss Sanssouci ist ein Meisterwerk preußischer Baukunst.
Sanssouci Palace is a masterpiece of Prussian architecture.
preußisch
Prussian
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adjective derivation
The adjective 'preußisch' (Prussian) is derived from the name of the historical state 'Preußen' (Prussia). The ending '-isch' is a typical way to form adjectives from geographical names.
EXAMPLE
Die preußische Geschichte ist ein wichtiger Teil der deutschen Vergangenheit.
Prussian history is an important part of Germany's past.
Historical vs. figurative
If 'preußisch' (Prussian) refers to historical things such as kings, soldiers, or architecture, the literal meaning is intended. If it describes character traits such as discipline or order, it is used in the figurative, stereotypical sense.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum zeigt eine Sammlung preußischer Orden.
The museum displays a collection of Prussian medals.
Typical qualities
In the figurative meaning, 'preußisch' (Prussian) is often combined with nouns that are considered virtues or character traits. Typical combinations are 'preußische Disziplin' (Prussian discipline), 'preußische Sparsamkeit' (Prussian thrift), or 'preußisches Pflichtbewusstsein' (Prussian sense of duty).
EXAMPLE
Manche bewundern die sprichwörtliche preußische Disziplin.
Some people admire the proverbial Prussian discipline.
Compare with
preußisch vs deutsch
German
'deutsch' and 'preußisch' both relate to history, culture, or people in the German-speaking area. But they do not mean the same thing. 'deutsch' is the general term for Germany, the German language, or German culture. 'preußisch' refers to historical Prussia or to qualities stereotypically associated with it, such as order and strictness. Learners may confuse the words because Prussia was an important part of German history. For modern language, people, or things from Germany, you normally say 'deutsch', not 'preußisch'.
preußisch
Das Museum zeigt preußische Uniformen aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.
The museum displays Prussian uniforms from the 18th century.
deutsch
Im Kurs lesen wir heute einen deutschen Text über Berlin.
In the course, we are reading a German text about Berlin today.
In real life
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