01
römisch
Roman
Relating to ancient Rome, its inhabitants, or its empire.
example
Die römischen Ziffern werden heute nur noch selten verwendet.
Roman numerals are used only rarely today.
römisch
Roman
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'römisch' (Roman) becomes clear from context. Words like 'Reich' (empire) or 'Legionär' (legionary) point to antiquity, 'Verkehr' (traffic) or 'Restaurant' (restaurant) to the modern city, and 'Kirche' (church) or 'katholisch' (Catholic) to religion.
EXAMPLE
Die römischen Aquädukte sind beeindruckende Bauwerke.
The Roman aqueducts are impressive structures.
Word formation
The adjective 'römisch' (Roman) is derived from the city name 'Rom' (Rome) with the ending '-isch' (-ic/-ish). This ending is often used to form adjectives from geographical names.
EXAMPLE
Die römische Kunst hat viele spätere Epochen beeinflusst.
Roman art influenced many later eras.
Typical collocations
When referring to ancient Rome, 'römisch' (Roman) often appears in fixed combinations such as 'das Römische Reich' (the Roman Empire), 'römische Götter' (Roman gods), or 'römisches Recht' (Roman law).
EXAMPLE
In der Schule lernen wir viel über das Römische Reich.
At school, we learn a lot about the Roman Empire.
Fixed combination
In a religious context, the combination 'römisch-katholisch' (Roman Catholic) is a fixed unit. It is treated like a single adjective and describes the largest denomination of Christianity.
EXAMPLE
In Bayern sind viele Menschen römisch-katholisch.
In Bavaria, many people are Roman Catholic.
Compare with
römisch vs katholisch
Catholic
'katholisch' and 'römisch' can both have to do with the Roman Catholic Church. In this religious context, 'katholisch' is often the right choice, for example for people, churches, or church services. 'römisch' is usually used in this sense in fixed expressions such as 'römisch-katholisch' (Roman Catholic). On its own, 'römisch' very often means something else: it can refer to ancient Rome or to the present-day city of Rome. That is why the words can be confused. As a simple guide: for the religion, you usually say 'katholisch'; 'römisch' needs a clear Rome or church context.
römisch
Im Text steht, dass der Orden zur römisch-katholischen Kirche gehört.
The text says that the order belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.
katholisch
Meine Großmutter ist katholisch und geht sonntags oft in die Kirche.
My grandmother is Catholic and often goes to church on Sundays.
In real life
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