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.
parable / parabola
Both words refer to short, vivid stories with a lesson that can be applied more generally. „Gleichnis“ is especially common as a term for religious, particularly biblical, stories, while „Parabel“ is also used more generally for literary illustrative stories. In a biblical context, „Gleichnis“ is usually the better choice; otherwise, „Parabel“ is often appropriate.
Im Unterricht besprachen wir das Gleichnis vom barmherzigen Samariter.
In class, we discussed the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Die Parabel erzählt von einem König, der aus einem fremden Fehler lernt.
The parable tells of a king who learns from someone else’s mistake.
