tragisch
tragic
Sad and unfortunate in a terrible, deeply upsetting way; ending badly, as in a tragedy.
EXAMPLE
Der plötzliche Tod des jungen Künstlers war ein tragisches Ereignis.
The sudden death of the young artist was a tragic event.
tragisch
tragic
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Meanings
tragisch
tragic
Used colloquially and often exaggeratedly to express that something is very regrettable or annoying, even in the case of minor mishaps.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen, das ist ja tragisch, jetzt komme ich nicht in die Wohnung.
I forgot my key; that's just tragic, now I can't get into the apartment.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'tragisch' (tragic) is closely related to the noun 'die Tragödie' (the tragedy). It describes events that are as terrible and unavoidable as in a classic play with a bad ending.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte der beiden Liebenden nimmt ein tragisches Ende.
The story of the two lovers comes to a tragic end.
Serious vs. exaggeration
The meaning depends on the situation. In serious events such as death or disaster, it means 'terrible.' In everyday life, it is often used exaggeratedly or ironically for small annoyances.
EXAMPLE
Der Flugzeugabsturz war ein tragisches Unglück.
The plane crash was a tragic disaster.
Typical collocations
In its serious meaning, 'tragisch' (tragic) is often combined with nouns such as 'Unfall' (accident), 'Schicksal' (fate), 'Verlust' (loss), 'Held' (hero), or 'Figur' (character/figure).
EXAMPLE
Er musste in seinem Leben viele tragische Schicksalsschläge verkraften.
He had to cope with many tragic blows of fate in his life.
Compare with
tragisch vs schlimm
bad / serious
Schlimm generally describes a situation as negative, unpleasant, or serious. Tragisch is suitable when the event is also deeply upsetting and has an especially sad, fateful outcome. Use „schlimm“ for a general negative evaluation and „tragisch“ for a powerful emotional and deeply upsetting effect.
tragisch
Der Unfall war tragisch, weil ein junges Paar dabei starb.
The accident was tragic because a young couple died in it.
schlimm
Der Unfall war schlimm, weil mehrere Menschen verletzt wurden.
The accident was serious because several people were injured.
In real life
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