die Schönheit
beauty
The quality of being beautiful; a high aesthetic quality that delights the senses or the mind.
EXAMPLE
Viele bewundern die Schönheit der Alpenlandschaft.
Many people admire the beauty of the Alpine landscape.
die Schönheit
beauty
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Meanings
die Schönheit
beauty
A person, or more rarely also a thing or place, that is perceived as very beautiful.
EXAMPLE
Sie galt in ihrer Jugend als eine weithin bekannte Schönheit.
In her youth, she was considered a widely known beauty.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Die Schönheit' (beauty) is formed from the adjective 'schön' (beautiful) with the ending '-heit'. This ending often turns adjectives into feminine nouns that describe a quality or state.
EXAMPLE
Die Schönheit dieses Gemäldes ist atemberaubend.
The beauty of this painting is breathtaking.
Typical collocations
When 'Schönheit' (beauty) refers to the abstract quality, it often appears with a genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). Typical combinations are 'die Schönheit der Natur' (the beauty of nature), 'die Schönheit der Kunst' (the beauty of art), or 'von klassischer Schönheit sein' (to be of classical beauty).
EXAMPLE
Er war fasziniert von der Schönheit der Musik.
He was fascinated by the beauty of the music.
Context clue
When 'Schönheit' (beauty) refers to a person, the noun is countable and can be used in the plural ('Schönheiten', beauties). In the abstract meaning, it is not countable. It is often used with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'gelten als' (to be considered).
EXAMPLE
Die Schauspielerin war in ihrer Jugend eine berühmte Schönheit.
The actress was a famous beauty in her youth.
Compare with
Schönheit vs Reiz
appeal / stimulus / irritation
The beauty of a place is based on its aesthetic quality. Its appeal is a more general term for what makes it attractive or interesting, such as a distinctive atmosphere. Schönheit is appropriate when referring to beautiful appearance; Reiz also works when an unusual or rugged quality makes the place interesting.
Schönheit
Die Schönheit des alten Hafens zeigt sich in den harmonischen Häusern am Wasser.
The beauty of the old harbor can be seen in the harmonious houses along the water.
Reiz
Der Reiz des alten Hafens liegt in seiner rauen und lebendigen Atmosphäre.
The appeal of the old harbor lies in its rugged, lively atmosphere.
In real life
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