der Tänzer
dancer
A person who dances professionally or as a hobby.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein professioneller Tänzer beim Staatsballett.
He is a professional dancer with the state ballet.
der Tänzer
dancer
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Meanings
der Tänzer
dancer
In a figurative sense, a person or animal that moves especially elegantly, skillfully, or lightly.
EXAMPLE
Der Fußballer war ein wahrer Tänzer am Ball und umspielte mühelos seine Gegner.
The soccer player was a true dancer on the ball and easily dribbled past his opponents.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Tänzer' (dancer) is derived directly from the verb 'tanzen' (to dance). The ending '-er' refers to a male person who performs this activity, a very common pattern in German.
EXAMPLE
Wer gut tanzen kann, ist nicht automatisch ein professioneller Tänzer.
Someone who can dance well is not automatically a professional dancer.
Typical collocations
In a professional context, 'Tänzer' (dancer) is often described more specifically, for example as 'Balletttänzer' (ballet dancer), 'Solotänzer' (solo dancer), or 'moderner Tänzer' (modern dancer).
EXAMPLE
Als Solotänzer steht er jeden Abend im Mittelpunkt.
As a solo dancer, he is the center of attention every evening.
Context clue: metaphor
The figurative meaning is often recognized from the context, usually in sports. A person is called a 'Tänzer' (dancer) because of their elegant and light movements.
EXAMPLE
Der Eiskunstläufer war ein eleganter Tänzer auf dem Eis.
The figure skater was an elegant dancer on the ice.
In real life
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