01
die Entdeckung
discovery
The act of finding something that was previously unknown, hidden, or unnoticed.
example
Die Entdeckung der Röntgenstrahlen revolutionierte die Medizin.
The discovery of X-rays revolutionized medicine.
die Entdeckung
discovery
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Entdeckung' (discovery) is derived from the verb 'entdecken' (to discover). This consists of the prefix 'ent-' (away, removing) and 'decken' (to cover). So 'entdecken' literally means to remove a cover and make something hidden visible.
EXAMPLE
Archäologen hoffen, bei den Grabungen die Ruinen einer alten Stadt zu entdecken.
Archaeologists hope to discover the ruins of an ancient city during the excavations.
Context clue
The meaning 'act of finding' is often expressed through the fixed phrase 'eine Entdeckung machen' (to make a discovery). The meaning 'the thing found', on the other hand, is often described with an adjective, such as 'eine wichtige Entdeckung' (an important discovery).
EXAMPLE
Der Forscher hat eine wichtige Entdeckung gemacht.
The researcher made an important discovery.
Typical collocation
To describe the act of finding, the fixed collocation 'eine Entdeckung machen' (to make a discovery) is used very frequently. This is often more natural than other formulations.
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrem neuen Teleskop machte die Astronomin eine überraschende Entdeckung.
With her new telescope, the astronomer made a surprising discovery.
Typical adjectives
When 'Entdeckung' (discovery) refers to the thing or person found, it is often described with evaluative adjectives. Typical examples are 'eine bahnbrechende' (a groundbreaking), 'zufällige' (accidental), 'wichtige' (important), or 'sensationelle' (sensational) discovery.
EXAMPLE
Penicillin war eine zufällige Entdeckung mit enormer Wirkung.
Penicillin was an accidental discovery with an enormous impact.
Compare with
Entdeckung vs Talent
talent
'das Talent' and 'die Entdeckung' can both refer to a person who is especially good at something. 'Talent' emphasizes the gift or ability itself, or the gifted person. 'Entdeckung' emphasizes that this person has been newly found or newly recognized as especially good. The word often fits in media, sports, or art when someone suddenly gets attention. The words can be confused because a discovery is often also a talent. The difference is: 'Talent' describes the ability, while 'Entdeckung' describes the moment or result of finding someone.
Entdeckung
Die junge Sängerin war die große Entdeckung des Abends.
The young singer was the great discovery of the evening.
Talent
Du hast wirklich Talent für Sprachen.
You really have a talent for languages.
In real life
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