complex / multilayered
Loading your saved state.
complex
Consisting of many different levels or aspects; complex and not easy to understand at first glance.
Die Ursachen der Krise sind vielschichtig und lassen sich nicht auf einen einzigen Faktor reduzieren.
The causes of the crisis are complex and cannot be reduced to a single factor.
multilayered
Built up from several physical layers.
Das Gestein hat eine vielschichtige Struktur.
The rock has a multilayered structure.
The word is a clear compound of 'viel' (much/many) and 'schichtig' (layered, from 'die Schicht' — the layer). Literally, it means 'with many layers.' This basic idea explains both the physical meaning and the figurative, complex meaning.
Die Handlung des Romans ist sehr vielschichtig.
The plot of the novel is very complex.
In its most common, figurative meaning, the word describes abstract things. Typical combinations are 'vielschichtige Probleme' (complex problems), 'vielschichtige Gründe' (complex reasons), 'ein vielschichtiger Charakter' (a complex character), or 'eine vielschichtige Diskussion' (a complex discussion).
Die Figur im Film hat eine sehr vielschichtige Persönlichkeit.
The character in the film has a very complex personality.
This word tends to belong to an elevated or formal style. It is often used in analyses, discussions, or descriptions to emphasize that a topic is complex.
Der Professor hielt einen Vortrag über die vielschichtigen Aspekte der Globalisierung.
The professor gave a lecture on the complex aspects of globalization.
You can recognize the literal meaning from the context. When the topic is materials, geology, biology, or construction (e.g., 'Gestein' — rock, 'Holz' — wood, 'Gewebe' — tissue/fabric), it usually refers to a physical structure with several layers.
Für den Boden wurde ein vielschichtiges Parkett verwendet.
A multilayered parquet flooring was used for the floor.
complicated
Vielschichtig and kompliziert can both describe a situation with many interconnected aspects. Vielschichtig emphasizes the different layers and can be neutral; kompliziert highlights the resulting difficulty of understanding or solving it. Depending on the perspective, either word may fit.
Der Konflikt ist vielschichtig, weil persönliche, soziale und wirtschaftliche Interessen zusammenwirken.
The conflict is complex because personal, social, and economic interests interact.
Der Konflikt ist kompliziert, weil sich die Interessen der Beteiligten kaum miteinander vereinbaren lassen.
The conflict is complicated because the parties’ interests are hardly compatible with one another.
