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sentimental

sentimental, mawkish, nostalgic

adjective zen-ti-men-TAHL Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: from French/English 'sentimental'

Usage Note

Sentimental in German implies excessive or self-indulgent emotion, often with a slightly dismissive tone. Werde nicht sentimental! — don't get sentimental! Can be neutral when applied to nostalgia. Borrowed from French/English.

Examples

"Beim Anblick des alten Fotos wurde er sentimental."

Natural Translation

At the sight of the old photo he became sentimental.

Literal Translation

At the sight of the old photo he became sentimental.

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