01
der Sopran
soprano
The highest human vocal range, typically sung by women or boys. Also a person who sings in this vocal range.
example
Die Sängerin hat einen klaren, kräftigen Sopran.
The singer has a clear, powerful soprano.
der Sopran
soprano
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the verb and the preposition. When someone 'im Sopran singt' (sings in the soprano section), the musical voice or part is meant. When someone 'ein Sopran ist' (is a soprano) or 'einen Sopran hat' (has a soprano), the person or the vocal range is meant.
EXAMPLE
Im Weihnachtskonzert singt sie im Sopran.
In the Christmas concert, she sings in the soprano section.
Person or voice
The word 'Sopran' (soprano) can refer both to the person with this voice and to the vocal range itself. The context makes clear what is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Sopran des Chores ist heute leider krank.
The choir's soprano is unfortunately ill today.
Typical adjectives
To describe the quality of the voice, 'Sopran' (soprano) is often combined with adjectives such as 'klar' (clear), 'hoch' (high), 'hell' (bright), 'lyrisch' (lyric), or 'dramatisch' (dramatic).
EXAMPLE
Die Opernsängerin ist für ihren dramatischen Sopran berühmt.
The opera singer is famous for her dramatic soprano.
Fixed expression
When referring to the musical part in a choir or ensemble, the fixed expression 'im Sopran singen' (to sing in the soprano section) is used.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl ich eine tiefe Sprechstimme habe, singe ich im Chor im Sopran.
Although I have a low speaking voice, I sing in the soprano section in the choir.
Compare with
Sopran vs Bass
bass
'der Bass' and 'der Sopran' both belong to music and describe vocal ranges. But they are at opposite ends: 'der Bass' is the lowest male vocal range, while 'der Sopran' is the highest human vocal range. The words can be confused because both appear in choir, opera, and music lessons. As a simple guide: bass sounds low, soprano sounds high.
Sopran
In der Aula übernimmt Lena heute den Sopran.
Lena is taking the soprano part in the auditorium today.
Bass
Im Chor singt Herr Kaya den Bass, weil seine Stimme sehr tief ist.
In the choir, Mr. Kaya sings bass because his voice is very low.
In real life
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