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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
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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' and 'tragisch' both describe something negative. But 'schlimm' is much more general: it can refer to problems, illnesses, damage, or unpleasant situations. 'tragisch' fits when something is very sad, deeply upsetting, or unfortunate, and often has a serious outcome. Colloquially, 'tragisch' can also be used in an exaggerated way for minor annoyances. The words can be confused because a tragic event is also bad. But not everything that is bad or serious is tragic. 'tragisch' especially emphasizes sadness and misfortune.
tragisch
Es ist tragisch, dass die Familie bei dem Unfall ihr Zuhause verloren hat.
It is tragic that the family lost their home in the accident.
schlimm
Der Sturm war schlimm, weil viele Keller voll Wasser liefen.
The storm was bad because many basements filled with water.
In real life
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