der Kitsch
kitsch
Definition & meaning
Kitsch is a German noun meaning sentimental, overly decorative, or supposedly artistic material that is considered cheap, tasteless, or lacking in genuine artistic value.
It can refer to:
- Art, objects, or decoration that use exaggerated emotion and familiar clichés.
- Something that is excessively sweet, romantic, colorful, or ornate.
- A style that imitates beauty or sophistication without being considered authentic or profound.
The word is often subjective. Something described as Kitsch may be dismissed as tasteless, but it can also be enjoyed deliberately for its exaggeration, nostalgia, or humorous effect.
Examples include sentimental wall art, overly romantic souvenirs, ornate decorations, or stories with exaggerated emotional scenes.
Grammar & Word origin
Kitsch is a masculine noun:
- der Kitsch
- Usually used only in the singular
- Adjective: kitschig , meaning “kitschy” or “tastelessly sentimental”
The word is not transparently composed of separate modern German parts. It became established in German in the second half of the 19th century, probably in the context of the art trade in Munich. Its exact origin is uncertain. Possible connections include English “sketch” or dialect words meaning “to make something cheaply.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- die Geschmacklosigkeit — “tastelessness”; emphasizes a lack of good taste rather than sentimental exaggeration.
- der Schund — “trash” or “low-quality material”; stronger and more generally negative, and not necessarily decorative or sentimental.
- der Schmalz — “sentimentality” or “syrupy emotionalism”; focuses particularly on excessive emotion.
- die Trivialkunst — “popular or trivial art”; more neutral and often used for easily accessible works with little artistic complexity.
Antonyms
There is no exact opposite of Kitsch, because judgments about artistic quality are subjective. Depending on the context, possible contrasts include:
- die Kunst — “art”; broader and more neutral, while Kitsch is usually used dismissively.
- der gute Geschmack — “good taste”; emphasizes aesthetic restraint and quality.
- die Schlichtheit — “simplicity” or “understatement”; contrasts with the excessive decoration often associated with Kitsch.
- die Authentizität — “authenticity”; contrasts with the imitation and artificial emotionality associated with Kitsch.
Common phrases & collocations
- reiner Kitsch — pure kitsch
- etwas ist Kitsch — something is kitsch
- kitschige Dekoration — kitschy decoration
- kitschiger Liebesfilm — kitschy romance film
- in Kitsch ausarten — to degenerate into kitsch
- Kitsch und Kommerz — kitsch and commercialism
- kitschig, aber schön — kitschy, but beautiful; often used when someone enjoys something despite recognizing its sentimental or excessive style
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Examples
Der Laden verkauft viel Kitsch.noun
The shop sells a lot of kitsch.
Sein Geschenk wirkte wie reiner Kitsch.noun
His gift seemed like pure kitsch.
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