German word

poetisch

Pronunciation

IPA/poˈeːtɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivepoetic

Example

Wir hörten ein poetisches Lied.

We heard a poetic song.

Illustration for poetisch (poetic)

More examples

Sie beschrieb die Landschaft in poetischen Worten.

She described the landscape in poetic words.

Core concept

A scene or expression becomes emotionally vivid through carefully chosen images, rhythm, and sound.

Common phrases

  • in poetischer Sprache

    in poetic language

  • poetisches Bild

    poetic image

  • poetische Atmosphäre

    poetic atmosphere

Similar words

lyrisch: Full of feeling and musical expression in writing or song.
metaphorisch: Using one thing to suggest another through a comparison.
bildhaft: Making scenes or images easy to picture through detailed description.
romantisch: Conveying soft, dreamy feelings linked to love or an idealized mood.

Definition in German

mit bildhaften Ausdrücken und Klangfiguren eine gefühlsbetonte, kunstvolle Wirkung erzeugend

Word origin

The adjective derives from Latin "poeticus", borrowed from Greek "poietikos" and ultimately linked with "poiein", to make.

Usage tips

  • Besides describing poetry, "poetisch" can describe elevated or idealized language and may sound approving or mildly ironic depending on context.

Other meanings

  • lyricaladjective

Opposites

  • prosaischprosaicadjective

Related words

  • poetisierenpoeticizeverb
  • Poetikpoeticsnoun
  • Poetpoetnoun

Word lists with this word