superstition
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superstition
Belief in supernatural forces, omens, or magical connections that is not based on reason or scientific knowledge.
Es ist nur Aberglaube, dass eine schwarze Katze von links Unglück bringt.
It's only superstition that a black cat crossing from the left brings bad luck.
The word consists of 'Aber-' and 'Glaube' (belief). The old prefix 'Aber-' here means something like 'false' or 'wrong'. So 'Aberglaube' (superstition) is literally a 'false belief'.
Viele alte Traditionen basieren auf Aberglauben.
Many old traditions are based on superstition.
The related adjective is 'abergläubisch' (superstitious). It describes a person who believes in such non-rational connections.
Meine Großmutter ist sehr abergläubisch und hat Angst vor schwarzen Katzen.
My grandmother is very superstitious and is afraid of black cats.
A very common phrase is 'aus Aberglauben' (out of superstition), used to state the reason for an action. The construction 'Es ist Aberglaube, dass ...' (It is superstition that ...) is also often used to describe a particular belief.
Er klopft dreimal auf Holz, aber nur aus Aberglauben.
He knocks on wood three times, but only out of superstition.
religion
'die Religion' and 'der Aberglaube' can both have to do with supernatural ideas. However, 'Religion' means a belief or belief system, often with rituals, rules, and a community. 'Aberglaube' means belief in omens, lucky signs, or magical connections, for example that a black cat brings bad luck. The words can be confused because neither can be scientifically proven. Even so, 'Aberglaube' is usually narrower and often meant critically. 'Religion' is more neutral and describes a faith as a whole.
Viele halten es für Aberglaube, dass Freitag der 13. Unglück bringt.
Many people consider it superstition that Friday the 13th brings bad luck.
Für sie ist Religion ein wichtiger Teil ihres Lebens.
For her, religion is an important part of her life.