event
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event / incident
An event, incident, or story that happened. The term is often used for notable or unusual occurrences.
Der Roman basiert auf einer wahren Begebenheit aus dem 19. Jahrhundert.
The novel is based on a true event from the 19th century.
The noun 'die Begebenheit' (event/incident) is derived from the verb 'sich begeben', which in old-fashioned language can mean 'to happen' or 'to occur'. A Begebenheit is therefore something that has happened.
Es begab sich zu der Zeit, dass ein Gebot von dem Kaiser Augustus ausging.
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus.
The word 'Begebenheit' (event/incident) belongs more to written language or storytelling. It sounds more formal and is often used for noteworthy or story-worthy events.
Der Großvater erzählte oft von den seltsamen Begebenheiten seiner Jugend.
The grandfather often told stories of the strange events of his youth.
A very common expression is 'auf einer wahren Begebenheit beruhen' (to be based on a true event), which is often used for films or books. Other typical adjectives are 'eine seltsame Begebenheit' (a strange event) or 'eine denkwürdige Begebenheit' (a memorable event).
Dieser Film beruht auf einer wahren Begebenheit.
This film is based on a true event.
story / history
A Geschichte is a narrated or written sequence of events and may be true or invented. Begebenheit, by contrast, refers to an event that actually happened, often a notable or unusual one. When reporting a real incident, both terms may fit, but they focus attention on either the narrative or the event itself.
Der Stromausfall während des Konzerts war eine ungewöhnliche Begebenheit.
The power outage during the concert was an unusual incident.
Nora erzählt eine spannende Geschichte über den Stromausfall während des Konzerts.
Nora is telling an exciting story about the power outage during the concert.
