der Zirkus, -se
circus
Ein Ort, an dem Artisten, Clowns und Tiere das Publikum mit Kunststücken und Vorführungen unterhalten.
Definition & meaning
The German word Zirkus has two primary meanings:
- The performance or venue: It refers to a circus, the traveling show featuring acrobats, clowns, and trained animals performing in a large tent or arena.
- Figurative use (Commotion): In colloquial German, it is frequently used to describe a chaotic situation, a scene of confusion, or unnecessary drama. If someone is causing a "Zirkus," they are making a big fuss or acting in a way that is disruptive and loud.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der Zirkus). The plural form is die Zirkusse.
- Word origin: The term is derived from the Latin word circus, which originally referred to a circular arena (such as the Roman Circus Maximus). It entered the German language in the 18th century, transitioning from the architectural meaning of a circular building to the modern sense of a traveling performance troupe.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- For the performance: Wanderzirkus
- For the figurative meaning (commotion/fuss): Theater, Spektakel, Aufstand, Chaos, Geschrei.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Zirkus kommt in die Stadt.noun
The circus is coming to town.
Viele Zirkusse boten gestern eine bunte Show.noun
Many circuses put on a colorful show yesterday.
Warst du schon einmal im Zirkus?noun
Have you ever been to the circus?
Im großen Zelt trainierten die Akrobaten vom Zirkus.noun
In the big tent the acrobats from the circus trained.
Im großen Zelt trainierten die Akrobaten vom Zirkus.noun
In the big tent, the acrobats from the circus were training.
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