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schlesisch
Silesian
Relating to the geographical and historical region of Silesia, its inhabitants, its culture, or its dialect.
example
Meine Großmutter kocht oft schlesische Klöße.
My grandmother often makes Silesian dumplings.
schlesisch
Silesian
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'schlesisch' (Silesian) is derived from the region 'Schlesien' (Silesia). The ending '-isch' is often used to form adjectives from geographical names.
EXAMPLE
Die schlesische Kultur hat sowohl deutsche als auch polnische Einflüsse.
Silesian culture has both German and Polish influences.
Lowercase spelling
Adjectives derived from geographical names are written in lowercase in German as long as they are not part of a proper noun. So it is 'der schlesische Dialekt' (the Silesian dialect).
EXAMPLE
Er spricht einen alten schlesischen Dialekt.
He speaks an old Silesian dialect.
Typical combinations
'Schlesisch' (Silesian) is often used in connection with culture, language, and cuisine. Typical combinations are 'die schlesische Küche' (Silesian cuisine), 'der schlesische Dialekt' (the Silesian dialect), or 'schlesische Traditionen' (Silesian traditions).
EXAMPLE
Die schlesische Küche ist für ihre deftigen Gerichte bekannt.
Silesian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes.
Compare with
schlesisch vs ostdeutsch
East German
'ostdeutsch' and 'schlesisch' can overlap in historical texts because Silesia belongs to the former German eastern territories. Still, the words are not the same. 'schlesisch' is much more specific and means the region of Silesia, its people, culture, or language. 'ostdeutsch' is broader and can historically mean various former eastern territories; today it usually means eastern Germany after the GDR period. The words can be confused when talking about old family histories or origins. If Silesia is meant specifically, 'schlesisch' is more precise.
schlesisch
In unserer Familie gibt es noch einige schlesische Rezepte.
There are still a few Silesian recipes in our family.
ostdeutsch
Die Eltern erzählen auf dem Amt von ihrer ostdeutschen Herkunft.
At the government office, the parents talk about their East German origins.
In real life
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