traumhaft
dreamlike / wonderful
Describes something as extraordinarily beautiful, wonderful, or ideal, almost like in a dream.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten einen traumhaften Urlaub am Meer.
We had a dreamlike vacation by the sea.
traumhaft
dreamlike
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Meanings
traumhaft
dreamlike
Refers directly to a dream or a dreamlike state; appearing as if in a dream.
EXAMPLE
Er befand sich in einem traumhaften Zustand zwischen Wachen und Schlafen.
He was in a dreamlike state between waking and sleeping.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Traum' (dream) and the suffix '-haft'. The suffix '-haft' means '-like' or 'like a'. So 'traumhaft' literally means 'like in a dream'.
EXAMPLE
Die Landschaft war von traumhafter Schönheit.
The landscape was of dreamlike beauty.
Typical collocations
This very positive description is often used for experiences and sensory impressions. Typical combinations are 'eine traumhafte Aussicht' (a wonderful view), 'traumhaftes Wetter' (wonderful weather), or 'eine traumhafte Lage' (a dream location). It is also often used as an adverb for emphasis.
EXAMPLE
Das Hotel hatte eine traumhafte Lage direkt am Strand.
The hotel had a dream location right on the beach.
Context clue
The rarer, literal meaning 'wie im Traum' (as if in a dream) can be recognized from context. It is usually used in connection with words like 'Zustand' (state), 'Schlaf' (sleep), or in literary descriptions to create an unreal atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
In der Hitze des Mittags fiel er in einen traumhaften Halbschlaf.
In the heat of midday, he fell into a dreamlike half-sleep.
Compare with
traumhaft vs zauberhaft
enchanting
Traumhaft and zauberhaft both praise something as very beautiful and special. Traumhaft tends to emphasize that something seems ideal or like a beautiful dream; zauberhaft highlights a charming, almost magical impression. Traumhaft suits a perfect experience, while zauberhaft suits special charm.
traumhaft
Der Blick auf das Meer war bei Sonnenuntergang einfach traumhaft.
The view of the sea at sunset was simply dreamlike.
zauberhaft
Der kleine Garten mit seinen bunten Lichtern wirkte bei Sonnenuntergang zauberhaft.
The little garden with its colorful lights looked enchanting at sunset.
In real life
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