exegesis
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exegesis
The scholarly or critical explanation and interpretation of a text, especially sacred writings (such as the Bible or the Quran) or legal texts.
Der Theologiestudent verbrachte das ganze Semester mit der Exegese eines einzigen biblischen Psalms.
The theology student spent the entire semester on the exegesis of a single biblical psalm.
'Exegese' is a technical term from academia, especially theology, law, and literary studies. In normal everyday life, this word is practically never used.
Für ihre Doktorarbeit betreibt sie eine detaillierte Exegese der frühen Schriften Kants.
For her doctoral thesis, she is carrying out a detailed exegesis of Kant's early writings.
In an academic context, 'Exegese' is often combined with verbs such as 'betreiben' (to carry out), 'durchführen' (to conduct), or 'vornehmen' (to perform/carry out).
Im Seminar haben wir eine Exegese von Goethes „Faust“ vorgenommen.
In the seminar, we carried out an exegesis of Goethe's 'Faust'.
The text that is being interpreted is usually connected with the genitive or with the preposition 'von' + dative.
Die Exegese des Paragrafen führte zu einer neuen juristischen Einschätzung.
The exegesis of the paragraph led to a new legal assessment.
interpretation
'die Interpretation' and 'die Exegese' both have to do with explaining or interpreting texts. 'Interpretation' is the more general word and fits poems, stories, pictures, dreams, or works of art. 'Exegese' is used much more specifically when a text is examined closely and critically, especially with religious or legal texts. The words can be confused because 'Exegese' is basically a special form of interpretation. In everyday life and at school, 'Interpretation' is usually more natural; 'Exegese' sounds technical and fits scholarly work on important texts.
Im Seminar liest Mehmet eine Exegese zu einer Stelle aus der Bibel.
In the seminar, Mehmet reads an exegesis of a passage from the Bible.
Bei der Interpretation des Gedichts achtet die Klasse auf Bilder und Gefühle.
When interpreting the poem, the class pays attention to imagery and feelings.