hofmannsthal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal
Quick answer
What does “hofmannsthal” mean?
A proper noun referring to the surname of the Austrian writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the surname of the Austrian writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal.
Refers specifically to the Austrian poet, dramatist, and librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874–1929), a key figure in the Viennese fin de siècle and the co-founder of the Salzburg Festival. Can also refer to his family or descendants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The cultural and literary reference is equally niche in both variants.
Connotations
Connotes high Austrian/German culture, modernism, libretto writing for Richard Strauss, and the Salzburg Festival.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, with slight potential for higher occurrence in specialized academic or arts publications.
Grammar
How to Use “hofmannsthal” in a Sentence
Proper noun; typically used as the object of prepositions (by, of) or in possessive forms.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hofmannsthal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- NA
American English
- NA
adverb
British English
- NA
American English
- NA
adjective
British English
- NA
American English
- NA
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary studies, German/Austrian history, musicology, and theatre studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in opera program notes, literary criticism, and historical biographies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hofmannsthal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hofmannsthal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hofmannsthal”
- Misspelling: Hoffmannsthal (with double 'n'), Hofmansthal (missing an 'n'), Hofmannstal (missing 'h').
- Incorrectly using it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a German surname that is used in English contexts only to refer to the specific historical figure Hugo von Hofmannsthal and his works.
In British English, it is approximately /ˈhɒfmanʃtɑːl/. In American English, it is approximately /ˈhoʊfmənˌstɑːl/. The 'h' in 'sthal' is pronounced.
He was a leading literary figure of the Jung-Wien (Young Vienna) movement, a key modernist writer, and the librettist for several of Richard Strauss's most famous operas, helping to found the Salzburg Festival.
No, it is only used as a proper noun. To describe something related to him, phrases like 'Hofmannsthalian' (rare) or 'of Hofmannsthal' are used.
A proper noun referring to the surname of the Austrian writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal.
Hofmannsthal is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “NA”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOF-MANN'S-TALL: Imagine a very tall (tall) poet (Hofmann's tall) writing on a stage in Salzburg.
Conceptual Metaphor
NA
Practice
Quiz
Hugo von Hofmannsthal is most closely associated with which city's cultural life?