German Conversation · Level 2
87 words
German word
Clown
Pronunciation
IPA/klaʊ̯n/
Meaning
- masculine nounclown
Example
Der Clown bringt die Kinder zum Lachen.
The clown makes the children laugh.
More examples
Auf der Party verkleidete er sich als Clown.
At the party, he dressed up as a clown.
Core concept
A brightly made-up performer turns exaggerated gestures, pantomime, and pratfalls into laughter.
Common phrases
als Clown auftreten
perform as a clown
sich als Clown verkleiden
dress up as a clown
einen Clown engagieren
hire a clown
Similar words
Komiker: A stage entertainer who mainly gets laughs through words and comic timing.
Komödiant: An actor or entertainer who delights audiences through comic performance.
Pantomime: A performer who conveys scenes and feelings silently through gestures and movement.
Artist: A circus performer who amazes audiences with acrobatics and physical skills.
Definition in German
Komikerische Bühnenfigur, meist mit markanter Schminke und Kostüm, deren Aufgabe es ist, durch Spiel, Pantomime oder Tollpatschigkeit zu unterhalten.
Word origin
German Clown is borrowed from English clown, which is recorded in Middle English as clowne, while the word's deeper origin remains uncertain.
Usage tips
- Clown is masculine in German, with the article der and the plural form Clowns.
Other meanings
- buffoonnoun
Opposites
- Ernstseriousnessnoun
- Seriositätrespectabilitynoun
Related words
- Clownerieclowningnoun
- clowneskclownesqueadjective
- clownhaftclownishadjective