illusion
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illusion
A false perception of reality caused by the senses; a sensory deception.
Die Oase in der Wüste war nur eine optische Illusion, die durch die Hitze entstand.
The oasis in the desert was only an optical illusion caused by the heat.
illusion
A wishful idea or false hope that does not correspond to reality.
Er gab sich der Illusion hin, dass er die Prüfung ohne Lernen bestehen könnte.
He gave himself over to the illusion that he could pass the exam without studying.
illusion
A trick or feat that creates the appearance of something supernatural or impossible, especially in magic.
Der Magier beendete seine Show mit einer beeindruckenden Illusion, bei der er zu schweben schien.
The magician ended his show with an impressive illusion in which he seemed to float.
The adjective corresponding to 'die Illusion' (illusion) is 'illusorisch' (illusory). It means 'deceptive' or 'based on a deception' and is often used to describe unfounded hopes or plans.
Seine Hoffnung, ohne Anstrengung reich zu werden, war völlig illusorisch.
His hope of becoming rich without effort was completely illusory.
In the meaning 'wishful idea', 'Illusion' (illusion) is often used in fixed expressions with reflexive verbs. Typical examples are 'sich Illusionen machen' (to have illusions / kid oneself) and 'sich einer Illusion hingeben' (to give oneself over to an illusion).
Mach dir keine Illusionen, die Aufgabe wird sehr schwierig sein.
Don't kid yourself; the task will be very difficult.
When it is about a sensory deception, 'Illusion' (illusion) is often combined with an adjective that describes the affected sense. The most common are 'optische Illusion' (optical illusion) and 'akustische Illusion' (auditory illusion).
Die Fata Morgana in der Wüste ist eine bekannte optische Illusion.
The mirage in the desert is a well-known optical illusion.
In the context of entertainment, especially magic shows, 'Illusion' (illusion) refers to a trick that deceives the audience. Words like 'Magier' (magician), 'Bühne' (stage), or 'Trick' (trick) point to this meaning.
Der Magier erzeugte die perfekte Illusion, durch eine Wand zu gehen.
The magician created the perfect illusion of walking through a wall.
deception / illusion
Both words can refer to a false impression or a false perception. „Illusion“ tends to emphasize an appearance that seems real to the senses, while „Täuschung“ focuses more on misleading someone or on the resulting mistake. Choose „Täuschung“ when deception is meant.
Die Spiegel im Raum erzeugten die Illusion, dass der Flur viel länger war.
The mirrors in the room created the illusion that the hallway was much longer.
Der Verkäufer verschwieg den Schaden und führte den Käufer dadurch in die Täuschung.
The seller concealed the damage and thereby deceived the buyer.
