legend
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legend
An old, traditional story about historical people or events whose truth is often not proven and that contains elements of the miraculous.
Die Legende von König Artus und den Rittern der Tafelrunde ist weltberühmt.
The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is world-famous.
The context makes clear which of the three meanings is intended: old stories, famous people, or the explanation of symbols on a map.
Die Legende vom Rattenfänger von Hameln ist sehr bekannt.
The legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is very well known.
The phrase 'der Legende nach' often introduces a sentence and means 'according to the legend'. It signals that the following information comes from an old story.
Der Legende nach soll in dieser Burg ein Geist leben.
According to legend, a ghost is said to live in this castle.
When a person is meant, people often speak of a 'lebende Legende' (living legend) if they are still alive. The expression 'zur Legende werden' (to become a legend) describes how someone becomes unforgettable through their actions.
Er gilt als lebende Legende des Films.
He is considered a living legend of film.
You can recognize the meaning 'symbol explanation' from words like 'Karte' (map), 'Plan' (plan), 'Diagramm' (diagram), or 'Symbol' (symbol). The phrase 'laut Legende' (according to the legend/key) is also typical here.
Laut Legende auf dem Stadtplan ist das 'P' ein Parkplatz.
According to the legend on the city map, the 'P' means a parking lot.
star / starling / cataract
'der Star' and 'die Legende' can both refer to a very well-known and admired person. 'Star' is used for someone who is famous and successful, especially in film, music, or sports. 'Legende' is stronger: the person has achieved something extraordinary and is often admired for a long time, sometimes even after their death. Learners may confuse the words because both sound positive and have to do with fame. Not every star is a legend. 'Star' fits current fame; 'Legende' fits when someone has a special, almost historical reputation.
Für viele Fans ist diese Sängerin eine Legende der Popmusik.
For many fans, this singer is a legend of pop music.
Nach dem neuen Film wurde der junge Schauspieler schnell ein Star.
After the new film, the young actor quickly became a star.