German word

Gattung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgatʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounkind

Example

In diesem Garten wachsen viele Gattungen von Rosen.

Many kinds of roses grow in this garden.

Illustration for Gattung (kind)

More examples

Er kann die Gattung eines Liedes schnell erkennen.

He can quickly recognize the genre of a song.

Core concept

A classification box holds several related forms, such as rose varieties, literary works, or biological groups.

Common phrases

  • die Gattung der Musik

    the genre of music

  • innerhalb der Gattung

    within the genus

  • die Gattung nennen

    name the kind

Similar words

Art: A general kind or sort of thing in ordinary conversation.
Sorte: A particular variety or strain, especially of a plant or product.
Typ: A characteristic kind of person or thing.
Kategorie: A defined category used to organize things by shared features.

Definition in German

Eine Gruppe von Dingen oder Lebewesen, die aufgrund gemeinsamer Merkmale zusammengefasst und von anderen Gruppen unterschieden wird.

Word origin

The inherited noun Gattung developed from Middle High German gattung(e), which was formed from an older Germanic verb related to fitting or belonging together.

Usage tips

  • In biological contexts, Gattung normally means 'genus', while Art usually means 'species'.

Other meanings

  • genrenoun
  • genusnoun

Word lists with this word