Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| elegant | /eleˈɡant/ /eləˈɡant/ |
| schick | /ʃɪk/ |
The word elegant is used to describe something that exhibits elegance.
Which one should you use?
While both elegant and schick can be translated as "elegant," they carry different nuances. elegant is more formal and refers to grace or sophistication, whereas schick is a more casual way to describe someone's appearance or clothing as being fashionable, trendy or stylish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective elegant changes its ending depending on the noun it precedes. It takes the ending -e when used before a feminine noun in the nominative case, such as in eine elegante Frau. It takes the ending -en when used before a masculine noun in the accusative case, such as in einen eleganten Anzug.
How do you pronounce it?
/eleˈɡant/
When do people say it?
Depending on the specific type of elegance you wish to convey, German has other formal options: Anmutig conveys elegance with grace and charm, often for fluid movements or delicate manners. Stilvoll suggests a stylish and sophisticated taste associated with timeless elegance. And Vornehm describes refined behavior or an elegant demeanor implying high social status.
Did you know?
- The French word 'chic' is actually a loanword from the German word Schick, which originally referred to 'correct manners' and 'correct clothing'.
- Because schick is more casual, it is often used in marketing to sell affordable, trendy clothing. Using elegant in a mass-market advertisement might make the product seem too expensive or untouchable for the average consumer.
- German speakers often use schick to describe an event or a party, whereas elegant is more likely to describe the guests attending it.
Examples in context
- Das ist sehr elegant.That's very elegant.This sentence shows how to state that something is very elegant using elegant.Tatoeba #8692752 by Melang, translation #3728520 by CM
- Das ist nicht sehr elegant.That's not very elegant.This sentence shows how to negate that something is very elegant using elegant.Tatoeba #775918 by BraveSentry, translation #5139832 by CK
- Sie sieht sehr elegant aus.She looks very elegant.This sentence shows how to describe someone looking very elegant using elegant.Tatoeba #2260027 by Zaghawa, translation #311814 by CM
- Die Tänzerin ist anmutigThe dancer is elegant.
- Ihr Outfit ist sehr stilvollYour outfit is very elegant.
- Sie verhält sich sehr vornehmShe behaves in a very elegant manner.
- Sie hat einen eleganten KleidungsstilShe has an elegant fashion style.
- Das Zimmer ist geschmackvoll eingerichtetThe room is elegantly furnished.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are at a high-end gala.
- LauraDein Anzug sieht sehr elegant aus, Felix.Your suit looks very elegant, Felix.
- FelixDanke, Laura. Du siehst auch elegant aus.Thanks, Laura. You look elegant too.
- LauraSoll ich diese elegante Tasche nehmen?Should I take this elegant bag?
- FelixJa, sie passt perfekt zu dir.Yes, it fits you perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elegant” translations and entries elegant, schick, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elegant, schick, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
