der Tenor
tenor
The highest natural male singing voice in music.
EXAMPLE
Die Arie ist für einen Tenor mit sehr hoher Stimme geschrieben.
The aria is written for a tenor with a very high voice.
der Tenor
tenor
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Meanings
der Tenor
tenor / gist
The basic content, general tendency, or main idea of a statement, text, or discussion.
EXAMPLE
Der allgemeine Tenor der Besprechung war, dass wir das Projekt verschieben sollten.
The general tenor of the meeting was that we should postpone the project.
der Tenor
tenor singer
A singer who sings with a tenor voice.
EXAMPLE
Der berühmte Tenor sang die Hauptrolle in der Oper.
The famous tenor sang the leading role in the opera.
Usage tips
Context clue
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. Words like 'Oper' (opera), 'singen' (to sing), or 'Stimme' (voice) point to the musical meaning. Words like 'Diskussion' (discussion), 'Kritik' (criticism), or 'allgemein' (general) point to the figurative meaning of the main idea.
EXAMPLE
Der Tenor der Oper war weltberühmt.
The tenor of the opera was world-famous.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Tenor' (tenor/gist) is often combined with 'allgemein' (general) or 'grundlegend' (basic/fundamental). Formulations with the genitive or 'von' (of/from) are also very common to clarify the reference.
EXAMPLE
Der allgemeine Tenor der Kommentare war zustimmend.
The general tenor of the comments was approving.
Register
The meaning 'Grundgedanke' (main idea) is used mainly in written language, in the news, or in more formal discussions. It sounds more educated than everyday expressions.
EXAMPLE
Der Tenor des Artikels war, dass mehr für den Umweltschutz getan werden muss.
The tenor of the article was that more must be done for environmental protection.
Musical context
In a musical context, 'Tenor' (tenor) describes either the vocal range or the singer himself. Typical adjectives here are 'lyrischer Tenor' (lyric tenor) or 'dramatischer Tenor' (dramatic tenor).
EXAMPLE
Die Rolle des Prinzen wird von einem lyrischen Tenor gesungen.
The role of the prince is sung by a lyric tenor.
Compare with
Tenor vs Ton
tone / clay
Ton and Tenor can both describe the impression created by a statement or discussion. Ton primarily shows the linguistic attitude or mood, while Tenor summarizes the basic content or general tendency. Ask yourself whether the statement describes how something sounds or what it ultimately amounts to.
Tenor
Der Tenor der E-Mail war trotz der Kritik eindeutig positiv.
Despite the criticism, the overall tenor of the email was clearly positive.
Ton
Der Ton der E-Mail war trotz der Kritik freundlich.
Despite the criticism, the tone of the email was friendly.
In real life
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