utopian / unrealistic
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unrealistic
Describing an idea, plan, or goal that is seen as ideal or perfect but appears impossible or very difficult to implement in reality.
Die Vorstellung einer Welt ohne Konflikte ist leider utopisch.
The idea of a world without conflict is unfortunately unrealistic.
The adjective 'utopisch' (utopian / unrealistic) is derived from the noun 'die Utopie' (utopia). A utopia is the idea of a perfect but unreal world. Anything that has to do with this idea or is considered unrealistic can be described as 'utopisch' (utopian / unrealistic).
Sein Traum vom Leben auf dem Mars klang für alle utopisch.
His dream of living on Mars sounded unrealistic to everyone.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about concrete plans, demands, or prices, 'utopisch' usually means 'unrealistic'. If the topic is literature, philosophy, or models of society, it refers to an ideal, fictional world.
Eine Gehaltserhöhung von 50 % ist eine utopische Forderung.
A 50% pay raise is an unrealistic demand.
In the meaning 'unrealistic', 'utopisch' is often combined with nouns such as 'Vorstellung' (idea), 'Plan' (plan), 'Ziel' (goal), or 'Preis' (price). It always expresses a skeptical assessment in this sense.
Er verfolgt das utopische Ziel, die Welt im Alleingang zu verbessern.
He is pursuing the unrealistic goal of improving the world single-handedly.
realistic
'realistisch' and 'utopisch' are often opposites when it comes to plans, goals, and ideas. 'Realistisch' means that something fits real possibilities and is probably feasible. 'Utopisch' describes a very ideal or perfect idea that is hardly possible, or only very difficult, to implement in reality. 'Utopisch' often sounds bigger and more ideal than simply 'unrealistisch'. When talking about concrete planning, 'realistisch' is the more precise word; when an idea sounds nice but almost too perfect, 'utopisch' fits.
Morgen alle Termine ohne Pause zu schaffen, ist ziemlich utopisch.
Managing all the appointments tomorrow without a break is pretty unrealistic.
Nach der Arbeit macht sie einen realistischen Plan für den nächsten Tag.
After work, she makes a realistic plan for the next day.