prose
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prose
A form of literature that is not written in verse or rhyme, but in unbound, continuous language. It is the usual form for novels, short stories, and non-fiction texts.
Der Autor ist bekannt für seine klare und elegante Prosa.
The author is known for his clear and elegant prose.
The noun 'Prosa' (prose) is the basis for the adjective 'prosaisch' (prosaic). When something is described as 'prosaisch' (prosaic), it means that it is sober, everyday, and unimaginative, which corresponds to the figurative meaning of the noun.
Nach dem poetischen Liebesbrief wirkte seine nächste Nachricht sehr prosaisch.
After the poetic love letter, his next message seemed very prosaic.
If you are talking about literature, books, or authors, the literary form is meant. If it is about everyday life, routine, or a disappointing reality, the figurative, negative meaning is meant.
Dieser Roman ist ein Meisterwerk moderner Prosa.
This novel is a masterpiece of modern prose.
The figurative meaning is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'die Prosa des Alltags' (the prosaic reality of everyday life). It describes the sobriety and routine of daily life.
Nach dem aufregenden Urlaub war die Rückkehr in die Prosa des Alltags schwierig.
After the exciting vacation, returning to the prosaic reality of everyday life was difficult.
poem
'das Gedicht' and 'die Prosa' are two different forms of literature. A poem is written in verse and often has rhythm or rhymes. Prose is continuous language without verse, as you know it from novels, stories, or non-fiction texts. The words can be confused because both refer to literary texts. The important contrast is: 'Gedicht' means structured language in verse, while 'Prosa' means normal continuous language.
Im Kurs haben wir heute Prosa gelesen, weil der Text wie eine normale Erzählung geschrieben ist.
In the course today, we read prose because the text is written like a normal story.
Für die Feier schreibt Maria ein Gedicht mit vier kurzen Strophen.
For the celebration, Maria writes a poem with four short stanzas.