01
der Promi
celebrity
Colloquial short form for a prominent person known to the public; a celebrity.
example
Bei der Filmpremiere waren viele Promis auf dem roten Teppich.
At the film premiere, there were many celebrities on the red carpet.
der Promi
celebrity
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Promi' (celebrity) is a colloquial abbreviation for 'prominente Person' (prominent person). The word is used like a normal noun.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Hotel warteten viele Fans, um einen Blick auf die Promis zu erhaschen.
Many fans waited outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of the celebrities.
Register: colloquial
The word 'Promi' (celebrity) is used mainly in colloquial language and in the media, especially in the tabloid press. It is rare in very formal texts.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitschrift berichtet jede Woche über das Leben der Promis.
The magazine reports every week on the lives of celebrities.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'ein echter Promi' (a real celebrity), 'viele Promis' (many celebrities), or talk of the 'Promi-Welt' (celebrity world). It often appears in the context of events like 'roter Teppich' (red carpet), 'Gala' (gala), or 'Premiere' (premiere).
EXAMPLE
Auf dem roten Teppich zeigten sich die Promis aus Film und Fernsehen.
Celebrities from film and television appeared on the red carpet.
Compare with
Promi vs Star
star / starling / cataract
'der Star' and 'der Promi' both refer to a well-known person in public life. 'der Star' sounds stronger: the person is not only well known, but also very successful or admired, for example as a singer, actor, or athlete. 'der Promi' is colloquial and generally means a well-known person. A Promi does not necessarily have to be a major star. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with fame. If you want to emphasize achievement and admiration, 'Star' fits better; if it is only about being well known, 'Promi' is more natural.
Promi
Am Wochenende wurde ein Promi in der Innenstadt von vielen Leuten erkannt.
Over the weekend, a celebrity was recognized by many people in the city center.
Star
Die Sängerin wurde durch ihr neues Album zum internationalen Star.
The singer became an international star through her new album.
In real life
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