German word

Volksmusik

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɔlksmuˌziːk/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfolk music

Example

Zur Hochzeit hörten wir Volksmusik.

At the wedding, we listened to folk music.

Illustration for Volksmusik (folk music)

More examples

Im Sommerfest tanzten alle zu Volksmusik.

At the summer festival, everyone danced to folk music.

Core concept

Music at a community wedding or festival, where familiar melodies carry a region's traditions.

Common phrases

  • traditionelle Volksmusik

    traditional folk music

  • regionale Volksmusik

    regional folk music

  • zu Volksmusik tanzen

    dance to folk music

Similar words

Folk: Modern acoustic folk music originating mainly in Britain and the United States.
Volkslied: A brief, familiar song traditionally sung by ordinary people across generations.
Traditionsmusik: Music belonging to a region's or community's longstanding performance traditions.
Volkstümliche Musik: Popular music using folk-like elements, commercial styling, and broad audience appeal.

Definition in German

Bezeichnung für traditionelle, meist regionale Lieder und Tänze, die aus der Überlieferung eines Volkes stammen und kulturelle Identität ausdrücken.

Word origin

The first element in Volksmusik is Volk, a Germanic word for a people, and the compound literally identifies music connected with that group.

Usage tips

  • Volksmusik can include instrumental dance music as well as songs, so the English term folk song is narrower.

Opposites

  • Popmusikpop musicnoun
  • Kunstmusikart musicnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word