realistisch
The German word for "realistic" is realistisch.
realistisch is used to describe something that relates to the representation of objects, actions or conditions as they actually are or were. In formal contexts, you might encounter other nuances of this concept: praxisnah is used when referring to being realistic in terms of practicality, while lebensnah is a synonym that literally means "close to life."
Meaning: relating to the representation of objects, actions or conditions as they actually are or were (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective realistisch can be modified to express degrees of comparison. The comparative form, meaning "more realistic", is realistischer. The superlative form, meaning "most realistic", is realistischste, which is used when the adjective follows a definite article.
Did you know?
- The German term for a person who is 'realistic' and down-to-earth is often bodenständig, a word that evokes the literal feeling of having one's feet on the 'soil'.
- The German word Realismus is not only an artistic term but also refers to a specific philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th century to oppose romanticism.
- German uses the word realitätsfern to describe someone who is not realistic. Rather than just saying 'unrealistic', this term literally means 'distant from reality'.
Examples in context
- So ist es realistischer.It's more realistic that way.This sentence shows how to use the comparative form.Tatoeba #13397384 by Waldelfe, translation #5735680 by CM
- Das ist nicht realistisch.That's not realistic.This sentence demonstrates a negative statement using realistisch.Tatoeba #8115223 by Luiaard, translation #5398369 by CK
- Seien Sie doch realistisch!Be realistic!This sentence shows how to use realistisch as an imperative command.Tatoeba #13602810 by Waldelfe, translation #1063982 by CK
- Die realistische Darstellung ist in diesem Kunstwerk beeindruckend.The realistic depiction in this artwork is impressive.
- Der lebensnahe Roman bietet einen tiefen Einblick in das Alltagsleben.The realistic novel provides a deep insight into everyday life.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a new video game.
- LukasDie Grafik sieht sehr realistisch aus.The graphics look very realistic.
- LauraJa, das Wasser wirkt fast echt.Yes, the water looks almost real.
- LukasAber die Physik ist nicht realistisch.But the physics are not realistic.
- LauraStimmt, die Autos fliegen zu hoch.True, the cars fly too high.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “realistic” translations and entries realistisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
