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.
faith / belief
Glaube neutrally refers to a religious belief in a higher power. Aberglaube (superstition), by contrast, refers to ideas about magical connections or omens that are not based on reason or scientific knowledge. Use Glaube for religious beliefs and Aberglaube for such magical ideas.
Aus Aberglauben fürchtet sie, dass eine schwarze Katze Unglück bringt.
Because of superstition, she fears that a black cat will bring bad luck.
Ihr Glaube an Gott gibt ihr in schweren Zeiten Kraft.
Her faith in God gives her strength in difficult times.
