Which word is the translation of 'kitschig, abgedroschen'?

• A. corny
• B. chic
• C. refined
• D. classy

Answer: (A)

The idea here is recognizing how negative, overdone taste is conveyed in another language. Kitschig and abgedroschen describe things that try to be sentimental or fashionable but come off as cliché, cheap, or unoriginal. The closest, natural English equivalent is corny, which signals something that’s overly sentimental, cheesy, and predictable—the kind of thing that feels fake or in poor taste because it’s so clichéd. The other options point to positive style traits: chic means stylish, refined suggests cultured polish, and classy implies elegance; none of these capture the dull, tacky, overused vibe of kitsch and hackneyed. Corny fits best because it directly communicates that negative feel.