klassischen

Klassischen is the inflected form of the German adjective klassisch, meaning classical or traditional. It functions as an attributive or predicative modifier and appears with nouns in various genders and cases. With a definite article, the ending -en is common in plural or feminine genitive/dative forms, as in die klassischen Musiker (the classical musicians) or in der klassischen Musik (in classical music). The form also occurs in other cases and plural possessive contexts, for example mit den klassischen Werken (with the classical works).

In German-language usage, Klassik (capitalized) denotes the Classical period in Western art music roughly between 1730 and 1820, emphasizing formal balance, clarity of musical form, and proportional development. Prominent figures associated with this tradition include Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The adjective klassisch is used more broadly to describe works, styles, or objects that belong to or imitate this tradition, such as klassische Musik, klassische Architektur, oder klassische Literatur.

Beyond music history, the term klassisch serves to indicate traditional or enduring forms in various domains. It can convey respect for established standards or high-culture ideals, but its nuance can shift by context—from neutral to positive or even customary. In everyday language, it is often contrasted with modern or avant-garde, to express something that adheres to well-known, time-honored conventions.

See also Klassik, Klassikerkontext, and klassisch. The distinction between Klassik (the period or movement) and klassisch (the descriptive adjective) is central to understanding usage in German.