myth
Loading your saved state.
myth
A traditional story, saga, or legend that often deals with gods or heroes and tries to explain the world or certain phenomena.
Der griechische Mythos von Prometheus erzählt, wie die Menschen das Feuer bekamen.
The Greek myth of Prometheus tells how humans got fire.
myth
A widespread but false idea or misconception.
Es ist ein Mythos, dass man von Schokolade Akne bekommt.
It is a myth that chocolate gives you acne.
legend
A person or thing that has become legendary and is idealized.
Die Band Queen ist für viele ein Mythos der Rockgeschichte.
For many people, the band Queen is a legend in rock history.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Mythos' (myth) from the context. If it is about gods and heroes, it means an ancient story. If a statement is described as false, it is about a misconception. If a person or brand is idealized, it refers to their legendary status.
Der Mythos von Atlantis fasziniert die Menschen seit Jahrhunderten.
The myth of Atlantis has fascinated people for centuries.
When referring to a traditional story, the preposition 'von' (of/about) with the dative is often used to name the content or main figure.
Kennst du den griechischen Mythos von Sisyphos?
Do you know the Greek myth of Sisyphus?
To describe a misconception, the structure 'der Mythos, dass ...' (the myth that ...) with a subordinate clause is used very frequently.
Der Mythos, dass man nach dem Schwimmen eine Stunde nicht essen darf, ist weit verbreitet.
The myth that you are not allowed to eat for an hour after swimming is widespread.
In connection with misconceptions, there are fixed phrases such as 'einen Mythos widerlegen' (to debunk a myth) or 'mit einem Mythos aufräumen' (to dispel a myth).
Die Studie widerlegt den Mythos, dass Videospiele aggressiv machen.
The study debunks the myth that video games make people aggressive.
When a person or thing becomes legendary, the phrase 'zum Mythos werden' (to become a legend) is often used.
Diese Schauspielerin wurde schon zu Lebzeiten zum Mythos.
This actress became a legend during her lifetime.
legend
Both words can refer to a traditional story containing wondrous elements. A “Mythos” usually suggests a symbolic explanation of the world, an origin, or a phenomenon. A “Legende” is more strongly associated with a supposedly historical person or event.
Der Mythos erklärt, wie die Götter den Ursprung der Jahreszeiten bestimmten.
The myth explains how the gods determined the origin of the seasons.
Die Legende erzählt, wie ein historischer König die Stadt mit übernatürlicher Hilfe gründete.
The legend tells how a historical king founded the city with supernatural help.
