odyssey
die Odyssee, die Odysseen
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odyssey
In a figurative sense, a long, arduous, eventful journey or a difficult process with many obstacles.
Die Beantragung des Visums entwickelte sich zu einer monatelangen Odyssee durch die Behörden.
Applying for the visa turned into a months-long odyssey through the authorities.
The Odyssey
An epic poem by the Greek poet Homer that describes the ten-year wanderings of King Odysseus after the Trojan War.
Im Altgriechisch-Unterricht haben wir Auszüge aus der Odyssee übersetzt.
In Ancient Greek class, we translated excerpts from The Odyssey.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Odysseen |
| genitive | der Odyssee |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Odyssee | die Odysseen |
| accusative | die Odyssee | die Odysseen |
| dative | der Odyssee | den Odysseen |
| genitive | der Odyssee | der Odysseen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word comes from the name of the Greek hero Odysseus, whose difficult ten-year journey home is described in Homer's epic 'Die Odyssee' (The Odyssey). This origin explains the meaning of a long, difficult journey.
Die Geschichte seiner Flucht war eine wahre Odyssee.
The story of his escape was a true odyssey.
You can tell from context whether the epic poem or a difficult journey is meant. If people are talking about ancient literature, Homer, or Greece, the epic is meant. In almost all other contexts, it refers to the figurative meaning of a long, difficult experience.
Meine Jobsuche war eine sechsmonatige Odyssee.
My job search was a six-month odyssey.
In the figurative sense, 'Odyssee' (odyssey) is often used for lengthy bureaucratic processes or a difficult search, not just for an actual journey. It emphasizes the many obstacles and the long duration.
Die Wohnungssuche in der Großstadt wurde zu einer echten Odyssee.
The search for an apartment in the big city became a real odyssey.
ordeal / torture
Both words describe a very exhausting experience that can last a long time and be burdensome. “Odyssee” emphasizes the arduous journey with many stages and obstacles, while “Tortur” focuses above all on the suffering. Use “Odyssee” when there are many stops or stages, and “Tortur” when there is intense suffering.
Die Suche nach einer neuen Wohnung wurde durch viele Besichtigungen zu einer langen Odyssee.
The search for a new apartment turned into a long odyssey because of all the viewings.
Die lange Untersuchung ohne Pause war für ihn eine echte Tortur.
The long examination without a break was a real ordeal for him.
