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Easily moved by strong feelings, especially emotion or wistfulness. Often used in connection with memories, music, or films.
Alte Liebesbriefe zu lesen macht mich immer ganz sentimental.
Reading old love letters always makes me quite sentimental.
Derogatory term for overly emotional, maudlin, or cheesy.
Der Film war mir mit seiner Musik und den langen Abschiedsszenen zu sentimental.
The film was too sentimental for me, with its music and long farewell scenes.
The adjective 'sentimental' belongs to the word family of 'das Sentiment' (sentiment), an elevated word for 'Gefühl' (feeling) or 'Empfindung' (sensation/emotion). This connection helps you understand the meaning.
Er ist ein Mensch von großem Sentiment.
He is a person of great sentiment.
Whether the word is meant neutrally or derogatorily depends on the context. Adverbs like 'zu' (too), 'etwas' (somewhat/a bit), or 'übertrieben' (overly/exaggerated) almost always signal a negative, critical meaning.
Ich finde dieses Lied ein bisschen zu sentimental.
I find this song a little too sentimental.
A very common use is the phrase 'sentimental werden' (to become sentimental). It describes the moment when a person is overcome by feelings such as emotion or wistfulness.
Immer wenn er das alte Fotoalbum ansieht, wird er sentimental.
Whenever he looks at the old photo album, he becomes sentimental.
In its negative meaning, 'sentimental' often describes artistic works such as films, books, or songs that are perceived as cheesy or overly emotional.
Das Ende des Buches war mir zu sentimental und unrealistisch.
The ending of the book was too sentimental and unrealistic for me.
emotional
Emotional is the neutral, broad term for something that expresses or triggers strong feelings. Sentimental usually suggests being moved or wistful and can also seem overly emotional. Use emotional for general emotional intensity; sentimental is a better fit when something has a maudlin or wistful effect.
Der Film erzählt sentimental von den glücklichen Tagen der beiden Freunde.
The film sentimentally recalls the two friends’ happy days.
Der Film erzählt emotional vom schwierigen Abschied zweier Freunde.
The film tells the story of two friends’ difficult farewell in an emotional way.
