01
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
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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 Kreis
circle / district
'Kreis' and 'Salon' can both mean a group of people who meet because of shared interests. 'Kreis' is more general: it can be a circle of friends, colleagues, or a reading group. In this meaning, 'Salon' refers to a special social gathering, often with artists, writers, or intellectuals, especially in a historical context. The words can be confusing because both describe social groups. For ordinary groups in everyday life, 'Kreis' is more natural. 'Salon' fits better when talking about an educated, cultural circle in a private home.
Salon
Im Salon der Gastgeberin trafen sich Dichter und Musiker zum Gespräch.
Poets and musicians met for conversation in the hostess's salon.
Kreis
In ihrem kleinen Kreis sprechen die Freunde oft über Bücher und Filme.
In their small circle, the friends often talk about books and films.
In real life
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