contemporary
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contemporary
Refers to the present era or time. It describes something that comes from today's time or is characteristic of it.
Das Museum stellt vor allem zeitgenössische Kunst aus.
The museum mainly exhibits contemporary art.
contemporary
Describes people or things that existed in the same historical era as another person or event.
Goethe und Schiller waren zeitgenössische Dichter.
Goethe and Schiller were contemporary poets.
The word consists of 'Zeit' (time) and 'Genosse' (comrade). A 'Genosse' is a comrade or a person who belongs to the same group or time. So 'zeitgenössisch' literally means 'belonging to the same time'.
Die Ausstellung zeigt Werke von Picasso und anderen zeitgenössischen Künstlern.
The exhibition shows works by Picasso and other contemporary artists.
The meaning depends on the context. Without a historical reference, 'zeitgenössisch' means the present day. If a person or era from the past is mentioned, it means 'coming from the same time'.
Ich interessiere mich sehr für zeitgenössische Architektur. (heutige Architektur)
I am very interested in contemporary architecture. (today's architecture)
In the meaning 'from today's time', the word is very often used in cultural contexts. Common combinations are 'zeitgenössische Kunst' (contemporary art), 'zeitgenössische Literatur' (contemporary literature), or 'zeitgenössische Musik' (contemporary music).
Dieses Museum für zeitgenössische Kunst wurde erst letztes Jahr eröffnet.
This museum of contemporary art opened only last year.
current
For a work from the present day, both „aktuell“ and „zeitgenössisch“ may be possible. „Zeitgenössisch“ places the work in the present-day era, while „aktuell“ focuses more on its current relevance or interest. Use „zeitgenössisch“ for its place in time, and „aktuell“ when the work is particularly important right now.
Der zeitgenössische Roman beschreibt das Leben in der heutigen Stadt.
The contemporary novel describes life in today’s city.
Der aktuelle Roman wird in vielen Zeitungen besprochen.
The current novel is being discussed in many newspapers.
