association
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association
A mental connection between concepts, ideas, or perceptions that arises spontaneously in the mind.
Der Geruch von frisch gebackenem Brot weckt bei mir die Assoziation von Heimat und Kindheit.
The smell of freshly baked bread awakens in me associations with home and childhood.
The ending '-tion' indicates a noun that is often derived from a verb. In this case, it is the verb 'assoziieren' (to mentally connect something).
Ich assoziiere den Sommer immer mit langen Abenden am See.
I always associate summer with long evenings by the lake.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about thoughts, memories, or feelings, it means the mental connection. If it is about companies, countries, or organizations, it means the union or association.
Das Wort „Freiheit“ hat für jeden Menschen andere Assoziationen.
The word 'Freiheit' (freedom) has different associations for every person.
When referring to a mental connection, 'Assoziation' (association) is often used with verbs such as 'wecken' (to awaken/evoke), 'haben' (to have), or 'herstellen' (to establish).
Diese Musik weckt bei mir viele positive Assoziationen.
This music evokes many positive associations for me.
In the meaning 'Zusammenschluss' (union/association), 'Assoziation' (association) is a formal term used mainly in economic, political, or legal contexts.
Die Assoziation der europäischen Automobilhersteller hat neue Zahlen veröffentlicht.
The association of European automobile manufacturers has published new figures.
connection / association
'Verbindung' and 'Assoziation' can both express that things or people are connected in some way. However, 'Verbindung' is much more general and often more practical: it can be about contact, relationships, or a combination. 'Assoziation' usually means a mental connection, that is, an idea that comes to mind in connection with something. In addition, 'Assoziation' can also be an association of people or organizations, but then it sounds rather formal. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'connecting'. In everyday language, 'Verbindung' is usually more natural when talking about contact or a relationship; 'Assoziation' fits better when talking about thoughts or a formal association.
Bei dem Wort Krankenhaus hatte er sofort die Assoziation an lange Wartezeiten.
The word hospital immediately gave him an association with long waiting times.
Durch ihre Verbindung zur Chefin bekam Anna schnell einen Termin.
Through her connection to the boss, Anna quickly got an appointment.