metaphor
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metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is transferred from its usual context of meaning to another in order to create a vivid image. It is a comparison without the word 'like' or 'as'.
Der Ausdruck „eine Mauer des Schweigens“ ist eine Metapher für die Weigerung zu kommunizieren.
The expression 'a wall of silence' is a metaphor for the refusal to communicate.
To explain a metaphor, people often use the structure 'X ist eine Metapher für Y' (X is a metaphor for Y). Here, X is the figurative expression and Y is the actual meaning.
Der „Herbst des Lebens“ ist eine bekannte Metapher für das Alter.
The 'autumn of life' is a well-known metaphor for old age.
The related adjective is 'metaphorisch' (metaphorical). You can use it to describe that something is meant in a transferred, figurative sense.
Seine Aussage war nicht wörtlich, sondern metaphorisch gemeint.
His statement was not meant literally, but metaphorically.
Metaphors are often described with adjectives such as 'treffend' (apt), 'kühn' (bold), 'originell' (original), or 'passend' (fitting) in order to evaluate their quality.
Für seine komplizierte Theorie fand er eine sehr treffende Metapher.
He found a very apt metaphor for his complicated theory.
comparison / settlement
Both words can refer to a figurative representation created through the relationship between two things. A „Vergleich“ explicitly establishes this relationship, often using „wie“ or „als“, while a „Metapher“ transfers the figurative meaning without such a comparison word. „Wie ein Löwe“ therefore indicates a comparison, while „ein Löwe“ indicates a metaphor.
Der Ausdruck „Er ist ein Löwe“ ist eine Metapher.
The expression „Er ist ein Löwe“ is a metaphor.
Der Ausdruck „stark wie ein Löwe“ ist ein Vergleich.
The expression „stark wie ein Löwe“ is a comparison.
