exotisch
The English phrase exotic is translated into German as exotisch.
The word exotisch is used to describe things that are perceived as exotic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending depending on the noun it describes. It takes the ending -e for feminine singular nouns in the nominative or accusative case, such as eine exotische Frucht. It also takes the ending -en in many common inflected forms, such as the masculine accusative or the dative case, like exotischen.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'exotic' for many things, in German, calling a person exotisch can be seen as highly objectifying or even offensive. It implies the person is a 'strange' specimen from a distant land rather than a human being.
- German has a specific word Fernweh for the 'longing for far-off places'. This feeling is the emotional driver that often leads a speaker to describe a destination as exotisch.
- In German literature, an exotische Landschaft refers not just to a distant place, but specifically to a place that feels 'otherworldly' or disconnected from European norms. It carries a heavy weight of romanticized orientalism.
Examples in context
- Das hört sich exotisch an.It sounds exotic.The first sentence shows how to use exotisch to describe how something sounds.Tatoeba #3541386 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11866884 by sundown
- Tom verließ seine Frau einer exotischen Tänzerin wegen, die er in einem Ausziehschuppen kennengelernt hatte.Tom left his wife for an exotic dancer that he met in a strip club.The second sentence uses exotischen to describe a dancer.Tatoeba #7851978 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3311328 by Hybrid
- Hanako beeindruckte die Gäste nicht minder durch ihre exotische Schönheit und Eleganz als durch ihre Belesenheit und gepflegte Konversation.Hanako impressed the guests no less by her exotic beauty and elegance than by her erudition and refined conversation.The third sentence uses exotische to describe beauty.Tatoeba #3565081 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3565098 by Hybrid
- Das Restaurant bietet eine große Auswahl an exotischen Gerichten aus der ganzen Welt.The restaurant offers a wide selection of exotic dishes from around the world.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- JuliaWelches Gericht sollen wir bestellen?Which dish should we order?
- JulianIch finde diese exotisch aussehenden Früchte spannend.I find these exotic-looking fruits exciting.
- JuliaDas sieht wirklich sehr exotisch aus.That really looks very exotic.
- JulianDann probieren wir das heute einfach mal.Then let's just try that today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry exotisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
