Bildungsroman

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈbɪldʊŋzroʊˌmɑn/

Definitions of bildungsroman

noun a novel dealing with one person's formative years or spiritual education

Example Sentences

A1 A bildungsroman is a type of novel that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the main character.

A2 In a bildungsroman, the protagonist typically undergoes personal development and self-discovery throughout the story.

B1 Many classic coming-of-age novels, such as 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, are considered bildungsromans.

B2 The bildungsroman genre often explores themes of identity, education, and social class.

C1 Modern bildungsromans like 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger continue to captivate readers with their deep character development.

C2 Critics have praised the bildungsroman as a genre that offers profound insights into the human experience and personal growth.

Examples of bildungsroman in a Sentence

formal The novel is considered a classic bildungsroman, following the protagonist's coming-of-age journey.

informal I really enjoyed that bildungsroman book about a young person growing up and learning important life lessons.

slang Dude, that bildungsroman story was so relatable, it felt like reading about my own life.

figurative The bildungsroman of my career has been filled with challenges and growth, shaping me into who I am today.

Grammatical Forms of bildungsroman

plural

bildungsromans

comparative

more bildungsroman

superlative

most bildungsroman

present tense

is bildungsroman

future tense

will be bildungsroman

perfect tense

has been bildungsroman

continuous tense

is being bildungsroman

singular

bildungsroman

positive degree

bildungsroman

infinitive

to bildungsroman

gerund

bildungsromaning

participle

bildungsromaned

Origin and Evolution of bildungsroman

First Known Use: 1819 year
Language of Origin: German
Story behind the word: The word 'bildungsroman' originated in Germany.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a genre of novel that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of the main character, the term 'bildungsroman' has evolved to encompass any coming-of-age story regardless of medium or genre.