German word

Poesie

Pronunciation

IPA/poeˈziː/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpoetry

Example

Wir lernen die Poesie von Goethe.

We are studying Goethe's poetry.

Illustration for Poesie (poetry)

More examples

Seine Poesie ist reich an klaren Bildern.

His poetry is rich in clear images.

Core concept

Language arranged with rhythm and vivid images to hold a large feeling or thought in a short space.

Common phrases

  • moderne Poesie

    modern poetry

  • klassische Poesie

    classical poetry

Similar words

Gedicht: One complete poetic work, usually read as a single piece.
Lyrik: A body of poetry focused on condensed emotion and vivid imagery.

Definition in German

Poesie ist die literarische Kunst der Dichtung, die Gefühle und Gedanken meist in Versen knapp und bildhaft ausdrückt.

Word origin

Poesie is a borrowing through French poésie, whose Latin predecessor poesis derives from Greek poiēsis, meaning creation or production.

Usage tips

  • Poesie often sounds literary and refers to poetry as an art or quality, while Gedicht usually names one individual poem.

Opposites

Related words

  • poetischpoeticadjective
  • Poesiesammlungpoetry collectionnoun
  • Poesiepreispoetry prizenoun

Word lists with this word