zeitgeist
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zeitgeist
The way of thinking and feeling characteristic of a particular era; the prevailing intellectual currents, ideas, and attitudes of a time.
Die minimalistische Architektur der 1990er Jahre spiegelt perfekt den damaligen Zeitgeist wider.
The minimalist architecture of the 1990s perfectly reflects the zeitgeist of that time.
The word is made up of 'Zeit' (time) and 'Geist' (spirit/mind). So it literally means the 'spirit of a time' and describes the typical mindset of an era.
Die Mode der 70er Jahre fängt den rebellischen Zeitgeist perfekt ein.
The fashion of the 70s perfectly captures the rebellious zeitgeist.
'Zeitgeist' (zeitgeist) is often used with verbs that express agreement or reflection. Typical phrases are 'den Zeitgeist treffen' (to capture the zeitgeist), 'dem Zeitgeist entsprechen' (to be in keeping with the zeitgeist), or 'den Zeitgeist widerspiegeln' (to reflect the zeitgeist).
Mit diesem Produkt hat die Firma genau den Zeitgeist getroffen.
With this product, the company captured the zeitgeist exactly.
This word belongs more to elevated or educated vocabulary. It is often found in texts about culture, history, art, or sociology.
In ihrem Essay analysiert sie den Zeitgeist der Weimarer Republik.
In her essay, she analyzes the zeitgeist of the Weimar Republic.
trend
'der Trend' and 'der Zeitgeist' both describe what is important or typical in a particular time. 'der Trend' more often means a specific development in an area, for example in fashion, technology, or the economy. 'der Zeitgeist' is broader and means the typical ideas, feelings, and attitudes of an entire era. Learners may confuse the words because trends can show the zeitgeist. When it is about a specific development, 'Trend' is more natural. When you mean the mood or way of thinking of an era, 'Zeitgeist' fits better.
Der Wunsch nach mehr Nachhaltigkeit gehört für viele Menschen zum heutigen Zeitgeist.
For many people, the desire for more sustainability is part of today's zeitgeist.
In der Mode ist morgen vielleicht schon ein neuer Trend wichtig.
In fashion, a new trend may already be important tomorrow.