delusion / conceit / imagination
Loading your saved state.
delusion
An idea or notion that does not correspond to reality, but exists only in a person's imagination. It often refers to a false perception.
Das Geräusch war nur Einbildung, es ist niemand im Haus.
The noise was just a delusion; there is no one in the house.
The word is made up of 'ein-' and 'Bildung' (formation / education). So it describes something that is 'formed' or created internally, that is, in the mind.
Manchmal ist die Grenze zwischen Realität und Einbildung fließend.
Sometimes the boundary between reality and delusion is fluid.
Adjectives help distinguish the meanings. 'Bloße' (mere) or 'reine Einbildung' (pure delusion) means a false idea. 'Krankhafte Einbildung' (pathological conceit) can mean arrogance. 'Viel' (a lot of) or 'lebhafte Einbildung' (vivid imagination) describes the positive ability of imagination.
Seine Behauptung war reine Einbildung.
His claim was pure delusion.
In the meaning 'falsche Vorstellung' (false idea), the phrase 'nur Einbildung sein' (to be just imagination / a delusion) is often used. The related verb is 'sich etwas einbilden' (to imagine something / to get something into one's head).
Ich dachte, ich hätte dich gesehen, aber das war wohl nur Einbildung.
I thought I had seen you, but it was probably just my imagination.
When 'Einbildung' means imagination, it is often combined with verbs such as 'haben' (to have) or 'besitzen' (to possess), and positive adjectives such as 'groß' (great), 'kreativ' (creative), or 'lebhaft' (vivid).
Um Geschichten zu schreiben, muss man eine große Einbildung besitzen.
To write stories, you need to have a great imagination.
idea / performance / introduction
'Vorstellung' and 'Einbildung' can both mean something that exists only in a person's mind. A 'Vorstellung' is neutral: you form an image or idea of something. This idea can be right, wrong, clear, or unclear. 'Einbildung' is usually more negative. It often means that someone believes or perceives something even though it is not actually true. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with imagination and thoughts. As a simple guide: 'Vorstellung' is an inner image; 'Einbildung' is often a false inner image.
Sie dachte, alle lachen über sie, aber das war nur Einbildung.
She thought everyone was laughing at her, but that was just her imagination.
Meine Vorstellung von der neuen Wohnung war ganz anders als die Realität.
My idea of the new apartment was completely different from the reality.