parable
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parable
A short, vivid story intended to illustrate a moral or religious truth. The plot and characters are to be understood symbolically and can be applied to a general lesson.
Das biblische Gleichnis vom verlorenen Sohn handelt von Vergebung und bedingungsloser Liebe.
The biblical parable of the prodigal son is about forgiveness and unconditional love.
The word 'Gleichnis' (parable) is related to the adjective 'gleich' (same/equal) and the verb 'vergleichen' (to compare). A 'Gleichnis' is a story that draws a comparison in order to make a deeper truth or lesson understandable.
In seinen Reden benutzte er oft Gleichnisse aus dem Alltag.
In his speeches, he often used parables from everyday life.
To name the content of a parable, the structure 'das Gleichnis von + Dativ' (the parable of + dative) is almost always used. This construction is very typical for the use of the word.
Das Gleichnis vom barmherzigen Samariter ist eine bekannte biblische Geschichte.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a well-known biblical story.
'Gleichnis' (parable) is a word used in elevated language. It is found mainly in religious, philosophical, or literary texts, but rarely in everyday colloquial speech.
Der Professor erklärte die komplexe Theorie anhand eines Gleichnisses.
The professor explained the complex theory using a parable.
anecdote
'Anekdote' and 'Gleichnis' are both short stories, but they have different purposes. An 'Anekdote' tells a small, often true and interesting incident about a person or event. It is often meant to entertain or show something personal. A 'Gleichnis' is a vivid story with a lesson, often in a moral or religious context. The characters stand for something general. The words can be confused because both are told briefly. An anecdote is more about showing an experience; a parable explains a general truth through an image.
Im Religionsunterricht bespricht die Klasse ein Gleichnis über Hilfe und Mitgefühl.
In religious education class, the class discusses a parable about help and compassion.
Nach dem Vortrag erzählte die Lehrerin eine kurze Anekdote über ihre erste Reise nach Berlin.
After the lecture, the teacher told a short anecdote about her first trip to Berlin.