der Tanz
dance
The movement of the body to music, often following a specific rhythm or choreography.
EXAMPLE
Der Tanz des Paares war elegant und ausdrucksstark.
The couple's dance was elegant and expressive.
der Tanz
dance
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Meanings
der Tanz
dance
A social event where people dance; a ball.
EXAMPLE
Gehen wir am Samstag zum Tanz im Gemeindesaal?
Shall we go to the dance in the community hall on Saturday?
der Tanz
dance
A specific, fixed sequence of steps and figures that has its own name (e.g., waltz, tango).
EXAMPLE
Der Wiener Walzer ist ein schneller und anspruchsvoller Tanz.
The Viennese waltz is a fast and demanding dance.
der Tanz
dance
Figuratively, a complicated, often difficult or risky process or conflict.
EXAMPLE
Der Versuch, die Baugenehmigung zu bekommen, war ein einziger Tanz mit den Behörden.
The attempt to get the building permit was one long dance with the authorities.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Tanz' (dance) is the nominalization of the verb 'tanzen' (to dance). It describes both the action and the result of dancing.
EXAMPLE
Tanzen ist ihr liebstes Hobby.
Dancing is her favorite hobby.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'jemanden zum Tanz auffordern' (to ask someone to dance) is a fixed expression and means to ask someone whether he or she would like to dance with you.
EXAMPLE
Er war zu schüchtern, sie zum Tanz aufzufordern.
He was too shy to ask her to dance.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'der Tanz' (dance) describes a complicated, difficult, or nerve-racking process. The phrase 'ein Tanz mit...' (a dance with...) is typical here.
EXAMPLE
Die Verhandlungen waren ein langer Tanz mit vielen Kompromissen.
The negotiations were a long dance with many compromises.
Typical verbs
When 'Tanz' (dance) refers to a specific choreography or performance, it is often combined with verbs like 'lernen' (to learn), 'üben' (to practice), or 'aufführen' (to perform).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder führen bei der Schulfeier einen Tanz auf.
The children are performing a dance at the school celebration.
Context clue: event
When referring to a dance event, prepositions like 'zum' or 'auf dem' are often used. 'Zum Tanz gehen' means to attend a dance party.
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen am Wochenende auf den Tanz in der Stadthalle.
We're going to the dance at the town hall this weekend.
Compare with
Tanz vs Ball
ball
Both words can refer to an event where people dance. A Ball is usually a large, festive, and often formal occasion, while „Tanz“ as the name of an event is more general and sounds somewhat dated. Use „Ball“ for an elegant formal occasion and „Tanz“ as a more general term.
Tanz
Am Samstag besucht das Paar den Tanz im örtlichen Vereinshaus.
On Saturday, the couple is attending the dance at the local community center.
Ball
Am Samstag besucht das Paar den festlichen Ball im alten Rathaus.
On Saturday, the couple is attending the formal ball at the old town hall.
In real life
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