Archaismus
archaism (old-fashioned word or expression)
noun ar-kha-IS-mus Rare
Origin: from Greek archaios (ancient)
Usage Note
Archaismus is a word or expression that is no longer current in everyday use but may appear in literary or historical texts. Writers sometimes employ Archaismen for stylistic effect to evoke an earlier era.
Examples
"Das Wort 'Weib' ist heute ein Archaismus und klingt veraltet oder abwertend."
Natural Translation
The word 'Weib' is today an archaism and sounds outdated or derogatory.
Literal Translation
The word 'Weib' is today an archaism and sounds outdated or derogatory.

Free starter pack
Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore German by topic
GermanNow
6 min read