interpretation
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interpretation
The interpretation or explanation of something whose sense or meaning is not immediately obvious, such as a dream, a work of art, or unclear behavior.
Die Deutung moderner Kunstwerke fällt vielen Menschen schwer.
Many people find the interpretation of modern artworks difficult.
interpretation
A concrete explanation or specific meaning that is attributed to something.
Für dieses alte Symbol gibt es mehrere historische Deutungen.
There are several historical interpretations of this ancient symbol.
The noun 'die Deutung' (interpretation) comes from the verb 'deuten' (to interpret/point). The ending '-ung' is a typical method in German for forming a noun from a verb that describes the action or the result of that action.
Er deutete auf die Tür, aber ich verstand seine Deutung der Geste nicht.
He pointed to the door, but I did not understand his interpretation of the gesture.
To express what is being interpreted, you often use the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from) with the dative. The genitive is the more formal variant.
Die Deutung des Gedichts ist umstritten.
The interpretation of the poem is controversial.
In the sense of 'interpretation', 'Deutung' (interpretation) is often used for complex or symbolic things. Typical combinations are the interpretation of dreams, symbols, poems, or works of art.
In der Psychologie spielt die Deutung von Träumen eine große Rolle.
In psychology, the interpretation of dreams plays a major role.
When referring to a specific explanation, 'Deutung' (interpretation) is often combined with adjectives like 'historisch' (historical), 'wissenschaftlich' (scientific), or 'möglich' (possible). A situation can also 'mehrere Deutungen zulassen' (allow several interpretations).
Dieses Verhalten lässt verschiedene Deutungen zu.
This behavior allows for different interpretations.
meaning / importance
Bedeutung refers to the meaning that a sign, gesture, or action has. Deutung, on the other hand, emphasizes that this meaning is found or assigned through interpretation, especially when it is not clear-cut. Use Bedeutung for a clear meaning and Deutung for a possible explanation.
Ihre Deutung des unklaren Handzeichens überzeugte nicht alle Mitglieder der Gruppe.
Her interpretation of the unclear hand signal did not convince all the members of the group.
Die Bedeutung dieses Handzeichens ist allen Mitgliedern der Gruppe bekannt.
All the members of the group know the meaning of this hand signal.
