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fraktur

fraktur

9.9
An old German style of dark, angular letters used in printed books
  • noun
  • /ˈfræktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fraktur
  • Many historical German documents feature the distinctive fraktur typeface.

Examples

  • The old book was printed entirely in fraktur, making it difficult for modern readers to decipher.

  • He learned to recognize fraktur letters while studying medieval manuscripts.

  • The fraktur typeface adds a historical touch to the document.

  • Have you ever seen a book printed in fraktur?

  • Many historical German documents feature the distinctive fraktur typeface.

  • He learned to recognize fraktur letters while studying medieval manuscripts.

  • The old book was printed entirely in fraktur, making it difficult for modern readers to decipher.

Synonyms

black letter
vsfraktur
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A heavy old-style print with thick sharp letters used in early books

is the German regional form rather than the broader European style
Gothic
vsfraktur
  • Archaic
1 9.0

A heavy dark printed letter style used in old European books

is the German regional style rather than a period focused form

How Ornate

fraktur
  • Specialized
9.9
black letter
  • Archaic
1 9.9
serif
  • Specialized
4 7.0
roman
  • Specialized
1 6.1
sans serif
  • Specialized
2 3.9

Surface Forms

fraktur singular
frakturs plural

Etymology

Fraktur for the old German type comes from a German word that means 'broken', the same root as fracture. The letters have many sharp, broken strokes, so fraktur now means that angular, ornate style of printing.