die Symphonie
symphony
A large-scale musical composition for an orchestra, usually consisting of several movements.
EXAMPLE
Wir hörten Beethovens neunte Symphonie im Konzerthaus.
We heard Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the concert hall.
die Symphonie
symphony
die Symphonie, die Symphonien
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Meanings
die Symphonie
symphony
A harmonious and impressive whole or combination of different elements, such as colors, sounds, or impressions.
EXAMPLE
Der Sonnenuntergang am Meer war eine Symphonie aus Rot- und Orangetönen.
The sunset by the sea was a symphony of red and orange tones.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Symphonie, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Symphonien |
| genitive | der Symphonie |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Symphonie | die Symphonien |
| accusative | die Symphonie | die Symphonien |
| dative | der Symphonie | den Symphonien |
| genitive | der Symphonie | der Symphonien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of the word from the context. If people are talking about music, composers, or orchestras, the musical composition is meant. In connection with impressions such as colors, smells, or feelings, it is used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Die fünfte Symphonie von Mahler ist ein Meisterwerk.
Mahler's Fifth Symphony is a masterpiece.
Der Garten im Frühling ist eine wahre Symphonie der Düfte.
The garden in spring is a true symphony of scents.
Typical collocations
In a musical context, 'Symphonie' (symphony) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical ones are: to compose a symphony, to conduct a symphony, to play a symphony, or to listen to a symphony.
EXAMPLE
Der berühmte Dirigent wird die Symphonie heute Abend leiten.
The famous conductor will conduct the symphony this evening.
Ich liebe es, klassische Symphonien zu hören, wenn ich arbeite.
I love listening to classical symphonies while I work.
Figurative meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'Symphonie' (symphony) describes a harmonious interplay of sensory impressions. The structures 'eine Symphonie der [plural noun]' (a symphony of [plural noun]) or 'eine Symphonie aus [noun]' (a symphony made up of [noun]) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Das Feuerwerk war eine beeindruckende Symphonie aus Licht und Knallen.
The fireworks were an impressive symphony of light and bangs.
Ihr Outfit war eine Symphonie der Blautöne.
Her outfit was a symphony of shades of blue.
Compare with
Symphonie vs Harmonie
harmony
When referring to colors, Harmonie neutrally describes a balanced and pleasant combination. Symphonie can also mean a harmonious combination figuratively, but presents it as especially varied and impressive. Harmonie suits a calm balance, while Symphonie is more appropriate for a powerful overall effect.
Symphonie
Die vielen leuchtenden Farben des Gartens bilden eine eindrucksvolle Symphonie.
The garden’s many vibrant colors create an impressive symphony.
Harmonie
Die sanften Farben des Gartens bilden eine ruhige Harmonie.
The garden’s soft colors create a calm harmony.
In real life
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