folksy / folk
Loading your saved state.
folksy / folk
In a way that corresponds to the tradition of ordinary people or is popular among them; often simple, catchy, and widespread. It often refers to music, art, or forms of expression.
Die Band spielt volkstümliche Musik in einem modernen Stil.
The band plays folk music in a modern style.
The word is derived from 'das Volk' (the people). The ending '-tümlich' (as in 'eigentümlich' — peculiar/characteristic) describes a characteristic type or quality. 'Volkstümlich' therefore means 'in the style of the people' or 'characteristic of the people.'
Er verwendet gerne volkstümliche Redewendungen.
He likes to use folksy expressions.
This meaning is strongly connected with culture and tradition. Common combinations are 'volkstümliche Musik' (folk music), 'volkstümliche Kunst' (folk art), 'ein volkstümliches Fest' (a folk festival), or 'ein volkstümlicher Brauch' (a folk custom).
Auf dem Stadtfest gab es viele volkstümliche Tänze zu sehen.
At the city festival, there were many folk dances to see.
When it comes to names of plants or animals, 'volkstümlich' is often used as an adverb in a fixed structure: '[Plant X] ist volkstümlich auch als [Name Y] bekannt' ([Plant X] is also popularly known as [Name Y]).
Der Löwenzahn ist volkstümlich auch als Pusteblume bekannt.
The dandelion is also popularly known as a puffball.
You can recognize this special meaning by the fact that it concerns the naming of living beings. Often, the scientific or official name is contrasted with the popular name.
Für viele Heilkräuter gibt es sowohl einen lateinischen als auch einen volkstümlichen Namen.
For many medicinal herbs, there is both a Latin name and a popular name.
scientific
'wissenschaftlich' and 'volkstümlich' can form an opposite when it comes to names or explanations. 'wissenschaftlich' then means an exact term or explanation according to technical or academic rules. 'volkstümlich' means a name or expression used in everyday life or by ordinary people, and not technical or scientific. This difference is especially important with plants, animals, or natural phenomena. The scientific name is precise and internationally understandable; the popular name is often simpler and known regionally.
Im Dorf benutzen viele Leute noch den volkstümlichen Namen für dieses Kraut.
In the village, many people still use the popular name for this herb.
Im Biologiebuch steht der wissenschaftliche Name der Pflanze.
The biology book gives the scientific name of the plant.