tijdsgeest — meaning in English: spirit of the times

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excursie

familie

toestaan

uitdagingen

tijdsgeest

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Usage

Native speakers use 'tijdsgeest' in discussions about cultural trends, art movements, or societal changes, often in academic or analytical contexts. For instance, during a lecture on contemporary literature, a professor might refer to the 'tijdsgeest' of the 21st century to discuss how current events influence writing styles.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'zeitgeist', borrowed directly from German, which also means 'spirit of the times'. While 'tijdsgeest' is used in Dutch contexts, 'zeitgeist' may evoke a more philosophical or historical discussion, often in English-speaking discussions about trends.

Culture

'Tijdsgeest' has its roots in German philosophy, particularly associated with the ideas of G.W.F. Hegel who spoke of 'Zeitgeist' or 'spirit of the age'. The term captures the essence of a particular time period's beliefs, values, and cultural expressions, often reflecting the collective consciousness that shapes societal norms and artistic endeavors.

FAQ

Q.What does the Dutch word 'tijdsgeest' mean?

'Tijdsgeest' means 'spirit of the times' in English and refers to the prevailing ideals, attitudes, and cultural phenomena of a specific period.

Q.How do you use 'tijdsgeest' in a sentence?

You can use 'tijdsgeest' in a sentence like this: 'De tijden veranderen, en de tijdsgeest van vandaag is heel anders dan die van de jaren '80.' (Times are changing, and the spirit of the times today is very different from that of the 1980s.)

Q.Is there a grammatical rule I should be aware of when using 'tijdsgeest'?

'Tijdsgeest' is a noun and is used as a singular noun in sentences. When discussing multiple 'spirits of the times', you can use 'tijdsgeesten' as its plural form.

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Dutch Vocabulary