allusion
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allusion
An indirect, hidden remark or reference to a person, event, or situation without naming it directly.
Seine Rede enthielt mehrere Anspielungen auf die Affären des Politikers.
His speech contained several allusions to the politician's affairs.
The noun 'die Anspielung' (allusion) belongs to the verb 'anspielen auf' (to allude to). This verb means to refer to something indirectly. The structure helps you understand the meaning of the noun.
Er spielte mit seiner Bemerkung auf ein altes Gerücht an.
With his remark, he alluded to an old rumor.
'Anspielung' (allusion) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. This construction indicates what the hidden reference refers to.
Das war eine klare Anspielung auf seine Vergangenheit.
That was a clear allusion to his past.
The verb 'machen' (to make) is often used in the phrase 'eine Anspielung machen' (to make an allusion). Adjectives such as 'versteckt' (hidden), 'deutlich' (clear), 'subtil' (subtle), or 'ironisch' (ironic) describe the type of allusion more precisely.
Sie machte eine versteckte Anspielung auf die finanzielle Lage der Firma.
She made a hidden allusion to the company's financial situation.
hint / notice
'der Hinweis' and 'die Anspielung' can both draw attention to something. A 'Hinweis', however, is usually clearer and is meant to help, inform, or warn. An 'Anspielung' is indirect: you do not say something openly, but mean it in a hidden way. Learners may confuse the words because an 'Anspielung' can also be a kind of 'Hinweis'. As a practical rule: if the information is open and useful, 'Hinweis' fits. If someone only hints at something, 'Anspielung' fits better.
Bei der Besprechung verstand Ben die Anspielung auf seinen Fehler sofort.
During the meeting, Ben immediately understood the allusion to his mistake.
Die Ärztin hat mir vor dem Termin einen wichtigen Hinweis zur Vorbereitung gegeben.
Before the appointment, the doctor gave me an important note about how to prepare.