der Salon
salon
A business space where services such as haircuts or cosmetic treatments are offered.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe heute Nachmittag in den Friseur-Salon.
I'm going to the hair salon this afternoon.
der Salon
salon
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Meanings
der Salon
drawing room
A representative, well-furnished living room in a large apartment or house that is used for receiving guests.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Abendessen zogen sich die Herrschaften in den Salon zurück.
After dinner, the ladies and gentlemen withdrew to the drawing room.
der Salon
salon
A regular social gathering of artists, writers, and intellectuals in the home of an influential person, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.
EXAMPLE
Die literarischen Salons in Paris waren Zentren des geistigen Austauschs.
The literary salons in Paris were centers of intellectual exchange.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Salon' (salon) from the context: as part of a word like 'Friseursalon' (hair salon), it means a business. As a separate room in a house, it is a representative drawing room. In a historical context, it refers to a social circle.
EXAMPLE
Sie ließ sich im Kosmetiksalon die Nägel machen.
She had her nails done at the beauty salon.
Compound nouns
In the meaning of a business space, 'Salon' (salon) almost always appears in a compound word. Typical examples are 'Friseursalon' (hair salon), 'Kosmetiksalon' (beauty salon), or 'Nagelsalon' (nail salon).
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder hat einen eigenen Friseursalon eröffnet.
My brother opened his own hair salon.
Register and style
The use of 'Salon' (drawing room) for a living room is rather rare today and sounds elevated or old-fashioned. It describes an especially large, representative room for receiving guests, not an ordinary living room.
EXAMPLE
Das Schloss verfügte über mehrere Salons und einen großen Ballsaal.
The palace had several drawing rooms and a large ballroom.
Cultural context
This meaning refers to historical meetings of artists and intellectuals, especially in 18th- and 19th-century Europe. These salons were important centers of cultural and political life.
EXAMPLE
In ihrem literarischen Salon trafen sich die berühmtesten Dichter der Stadt.
The city's most famous poets met in her literary salon.
Compare with
Salon vs Studio
studio
For a cosmetics business, both Studio and Salon can be used. Studio often sounds more specialized and emphasizes the business's area of expertise, while Salon more often refers to an attractively furnished business space. The choice therefore also depends on how the business is positioned.
Salon
Für ihre Gesichtsbehandlung besucht Mia einen elegant eingerichteten Salon.
Mia visits an elegantly furnished salon for her facial treatment.
Studio
Für ihre Gesichtsbehandlung besucht Mia ein auf Hautpflege spezialisiertes Studio.
Mia visits a studio specializing in skincare for her facial treatment.
In real life
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