01
die Unterhaltung
conversation
A conversation or exchange between two or more people.
example
Wir hatten gestern Abend eine sehr anregende Unterhaltung über Politik.
We had a very stimulating conversation about politics last night.
die Unterhaltung
conversation / entertainment / maintenance
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Unterhaltung' (conversation/entertainment/maintenance) is derived from the verb 'unterhalten' (to converse/entertain/maintain). The different meanings can be derived from it: you can 'hold' a conversation (m01), 'hold' someone's attention (m02), or 'hold' a building in good condition (m03).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns stundenlang über alte Zeiten unterhalten.
We talked for hours about old times.
Context clue
The two most common meanings are distinguished by context. 'Unterhaltung' as a conversation (m01) refers to an exchange between people. 'Unterhaltung' as entertainment (m02) refers to media, shows, or activities that are fun.
EXAMPLE
Unsere Unterhaltung wurde durch einen Anruf unterbrochen.
Our conversation was interrupted by a phone call.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'Gespräch' (conversation), 'Unterhaltung' is often combined with the verb 'führen' (to conduct/have). Adjectives that describe the quality of the conversation are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden führten eine leise Unterhaltung in der Ecke.
The two had a quiet conversation in the corner.
Typical verbs
When it is about 'Vergnügen' (enjoyment), 'Unterhaltung' is often used with verbs like 'bieten' (to offer/provide) or 'sorgen für' (to provide for/create). People also speak of 'guter' (good) or 'leichter' (light) entertainment.
EXAMPLE
Die Band sorgte für gute Unterhaltung auf der Feier.
The band provided good entertainment at the party.
Register and context
The meaning 'Instandhaltung' (maintenance) is formal and is used mainly in technical, legal, or administrative contexts. It usually concerns the costs for buildings, machines, or plots of land.
EXAMPLE
Die Unterhaltung der Parkanlagen wird von der Stadt finanziert.
The maintenance of the park facilities is financed by the city.
Compare with
Unterhaltung vs Spaß
fun / joke
'der Spaß' and 'die Unterhaltung' can both fit pleasant free-time activities. 'Spaß' mainly describes the feeling: you find something funny or enjoyable. 'Unterhaltung' more often means the thing that creates this feeling, for example a show, music, a film, or a program. 'Unterhaltung' can also mean a conversation, but in this relation it is about enjoyment and leisure time. Learners may confuse the words because good entertainment is fun. If you are talking about your feeling, 'Spaß' fits better. If you are talking about an offering or a program, 'Unterhaltung' fits better.
Unterhaltung
Für die Gäste gibt es am Abend Musik, Spiele und andere Unterhaltung.
In the evening, there will be music, games, and other entertainment for the guests.
Spaß
Der Ausflug morgen wird sicher Spaß machen, wenn das Wetter gut bleibt.
Tomorrow's trip will definitely be fun if the weather stays good.
In real life
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