der Walzer
waltz
A social and competitive dance in triple time, characterized by the rotating movements of the couple.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Ball haben sie die ganze Nacht Walzer getanzt.
At the ball, they danced waltzes all night.
der Walzer
waltz
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Meanings
der Walzer
waltz
A piece of music composed in the rhythm and style of a waltz.
EXAMPLE
Das Orchester spielte einen berühmten Walzer von Johann Strauss.
The orchestra played a famous waltz by Johann Strauss.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Walzer' (waltz) comes from the verb 'walzen', which means 'to turn' or 'to roll'. This describes the characteristic turning movement of the dance.
EXAMPLE
Das Paar drehte sich elegant im Takt des Walzers.
The couple turned elegantly to the rhythm of the waltz.
Context clue
The verb in the sentence reveals the meaning. If you 'tanzt' einen Walzer (dance a waltz), the dance is meant. If you 'spielt' (play), 'hört' (hear/listen to), or 'komponiert' (compose) it, the piece of music is meant.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du Walzer tanzen?
Can you dance the waltz?
Typical collocation
The most common and important combination for the dance meaning is the fixed phrase 'Walzer tanzen' (to dance the waltz).
EXAMPLE
Auf ihrer Hochzeit tanzte das Brautpaar als Eröffnung einen langsamen Walzer.
At their wedding, the bride and groom danced a slow waltz as the opening dance.
Cultural context
The 'Wiener Walzer' (Viennese waltz) is an internationally known form of the dance and an important part of Austrian culture, especially during the ball season in Vienna.
EXAMPLE
Der Wiener Opernball wird traditionell mit einem Walzer eröffnet.
The Vienna Opera Ball is traditionally opened with a waltz.
In real life
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