German word

Spektakel

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃpɛkˈtaːkl̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounshow

Example

Auf dem Jahrmarkt gab es ein Spektakel.

There was a show at the fair.

Illustration for Spektakel (show)

More examples

Die Presse machte die Affäre zum Spektakel.

The press turned the affair into a spectacle.

Core concept

A loud, eye-catching public display that can feel either entertaining or excessive.

Common phrases

  • ein Spektakel inszenieren

    stage a spectacle

  • zum Spektakel werden

    become a spectacle

Similar words

Show: A staged performance or program presented for an audience.
Attraktion: A featured attraction at a fair or amusement park that draws visitors.
Aufsehen: Widespread public attention and astonishment caused by an event.
Skandal: An event that provokes public outrage and condemnation.

Definition in German

etwas, das durch Auffälligkeit oder Lärm starke Aufmerksamkeit erzeugt; meist ein öffentliches Schauspiel oder großes Aufsehen

Word origin

The German noun derives from Latin spectaculum through the Romance spectacle family, retaining the idea of something presented for public viewing.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the usually neutral English show, Spektakel can suggest criticism when a display seems unnecessarily dramatic or disorderly.

Other meanings

  • commotionnoun
  • uproarnoun

Opposites

  • Stillesilencenoun
  • Sachlichkeitobjectivitynoun

Related words

  • Spektakelcharakterspectacle-like characternoun
  • spektakulärspectacularadjective

Word lists with this word