labyrinth
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labyrinth / maze
A system of winding paths or corridors designed so that it is difficult to find the exit; a maze.
Die Touristen verirrten sich in dem großen Labyrinth des Schlossparks.
The tourists got lost in the large labyrinth in the palace gardens.
The context helps distinguish the meanings. If it is about gardens, parks, or Greek mythology, it means a maze. With abstract topics such as bureaucracy or laws, the figurative meaning is intended. In connection with the ear or dizziness, it refers to anatomy.
Im Schlosspark gibt es ein großes Labyrinth aus Hecken.
There is a large hedge labyrinth in the palace gardens.
When referring to a real maze, 'Labyrinth' (labyrinth / maze) is often combined with verbs like 'sich verirren' (to get lost), 'den Weg finden' (to find the way), or 'den Ausgang suchen' (to look for the exit).
Die Kinder hatten Spaß dabei, sich im Labyrinth zu verirren.
The children had fun getting lost in the labyrinth.
In the figurative meaning, 'Labyrinth' (labyrinth) is often combined with 'aus' (of / made of) or 'von' (of) and an abstract noun. It then describes a confusing, complex structure.
Er fand sich in einem Labyrinth aus widersprüchlichen Informationen wieder.
He found himself in a labyrinth of contradictory information.
In the meaning 'part of the inner ear', 'Labyrinth' (labyrinth) is a medical technical term. You mainly find it in specialist texts or at the doctor's office.
Der Arzt erklärte, dass das Labyrinth für unseren Gleichgewichtssinn verantwortlich ist.
The doctor explained that the labyrinth is responsible for our sense of balance.
chaos
'das Chaos' and 'das Labyrinth' can both describe a confusing situation. 'Chaos' mainly means disorder: things, people, or information are all mixed up. 'Labyrinth' emphasizes more that something has many paths, steps, or parts, and that it is hard to find the right way. It often fits well for buildings, plans, rules, or complicated processes. 'Chaos' is broader and more direct. 'Labyrinth' is more precise when you feel as if you are in a maze.
Luisa findet sich in dem Labyrinth aus neuen Regeln kaum zurecht.
Luisa can hardly find her way through the labyrinth of new rules.
Am Morgen gab es im Supermarkt Chaos an den Kassen.
In the morning, there was chaos at the supermarket checkouts.