German word

zeitgenössisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsaɪ̯tgəˌnœsɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivecontemporary

Example

Das Museum zeigt zeitgenössische Kunst.

The museum displays contemporary art.

Illustration for zeitgenössisch (contemporary)

More examples

Das Festival präsentiert zeitgenössische Musik aus aller Welt.

The festival presents modern music from around the world.

Core concept

A person, event, or creation standing alongside its own time rather than belonging to a distant age.

Common phrases

  • zeitgenössische Musik

    modern music

  • zeitgenössische Medien

    modern media

  • zeitgenössische Debatten

    modern debates

Similar words

aktuell: Relating to events or issues happening now.
modern: Based on recent technology, ideas, or styles.
gegenwärtig: Existing or occurring at the present time.
zeitgemäß: Suitable for current trends, standards, or expectations.

Definition in German

die Gegenwart kennzeichnend oder mit ihr verbunden; häufig für zeitnahe kulturelle Phänomene gebraucht

Word origin

German formed zeitgenössisch from the noun Zeitgenosse and added -isch to mark the relationship with a shared time.

Usage tips

  • The adjective is written lowercase in German and takes normal adjective endings, as in zeitgenössische Kunst and zeitgenössischer Literatur.

Other meanings

  • contemporaneousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Zeitgenossinwoman of the same eranoun

Word lists with this word