01
der Typus
type
A pattern, category, or characteristic form that represents a group of people or things.
example
Er verkörpert den Typus des klassischen Gelehrten.
He embodies the type of the classical scholar.
der Typus
type
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Elevated language
'Typus' (type) is a word used in elevated written language and in science. In normal everyday language, it is rarely used and sounds very formal.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Roman etablierte einen neuen Typus des Antihelden in der Literatur.
This novel established a new type of antihero in literature.
Word family
'Typus' (type) is the scientific and original form of 'Typ' (type). The ending '-us' comes from Latin and indicates a formal or technical context.
EXAMPLE
Er entspricht genau dem Typus des modernen, flexiblen Arbeitnehmers.
He corresponds exactly to the type of the modern, flexible employee.
Use with the genitive
In its general meaning, 'Typus' (type) is often used with a genitive to describe what something is a pattern of. The structure is: 'der Typus des/der [noun in the genitive]' (the type of the ...).
EXAMPLE
Sie verkörpert den Typus der erfolgreichen und unabhängigen Frau.
She embodies the type of the successful and independent woman.
Biological term
The meaning as a reference specimen is a purely technical term from biology and other natural sciences. Outside this context, you will hardly ever find this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmetterling in der Sammlung dient als Typus für die gesamte Art.
The butterfly in the collection serves as the type specimen for the entire species.
Compare with
Typus vs Art
kind / way
'die Art' and 'der Typus' can both describe a group or form of people or things. 'die Art' is more general and very common in everyday language: you can talk about 'eine Art von Problem' (a kind of problem), 'eine Art von Musik' (a kind of music), or 'eine Art von Mensch' (a kind of person). 'der Typus' sounds more formal and tends to mean a clear pattern or typical form that represents a group. The words can be confused because both classify and compare. For normal categories, 'die Art' usually fits; for a characteristic pattern, 'der Typus' fits better.
Typus
In dem Roman erkennt man den Typus des ruhigen, nachdenklichen Helden.
In the novel, you can recognize the type of the quiet, thoughtful hero.
Art
Diese Art von Arbeit braucht viel Geduld.
This kind of work requires a lot of patience.
In real life
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