par excellence
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par excellence
Used after a noun to emphasize that this noun is the purest or most perfect form of something; the epitome of something.
Diese Aufnahme von Beethovens 5. Sinfonie gilt als die Interpretation schlechthin.
This recording of Beethoven's 5th Symphony is considered the interpretation par excellence.
'Schlechthin' (par excellence) is a postposed adverb. It always stands directly after the noun it emphasizes. This position in the sentence is very unusual for adverbs in German and is a fixed rule for this word.
Für viele Kritiker ist dieser Film der Western schlechthin.
For many critics, this film is the Western par excellence.
This word belongs to an elevated, formal style of language. It is used to strongly emphasize a statement and present something as the perfect example of its kind. In everyday colloquial speech, it often sounds unnatural.
Goethes „Faust“ gilt als die deutsche Tragödie schlechthin.
Goethe's 'Faust' is considered the German tragedy par excellence.
Although the word begins with 'schlecht' (bad), it has no negative meaning. It is derived from the old word 'schlicht' (simple, absolute). 'Schlechthin' therefore means 'plain and simple' or 'the epitome of'.
Diese Sängerin ist der Popstar schlechthin.
This singer is the pop star par excellence.
simply / downright
Both words can express a strong evaluation. „schlichtweg“ intensifies a statement as clear and unrestricted. „schlechthin“ typically follows a noun and, in a more elevated style, describes the epitome or perfect example of something.
Für viele ist sie die Ärztin schlechthin.
For many people, she is the doctor par excellence.
Für mich ist sie schlichtweg die beste Ärztin der Stadt.
To me, she is simply the best doctor in the city.
