odyssey
Loading your saved state.
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 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.
quest
'die Quest' and 'die Odyssee' can both describe a long and difficult search or journey with many experiences along the way. 'Quest' sounds more like a task or mission, often with a goal that is meant to be reached. The word is especially typical in games, literature, and mythology. 'Odyssee' focuses more on the arduous path itself: many detours, problems, and obstacles are at the center. If the search for something important is the main focus, 'Quest' fits well. If you are describing a long, exhausting series of difficulties, 'Odyssee' sounds more natural.
Nach drei falschen Zügen wurde die Heimfahrt für uns zu einer kleinen Odyssee.
After three wrong trains, the trip home turned into a small odyssey for us.
In dem Rollenspiel beginnt die Quest, sobald wir den alten Schlüssel finden.
In the role-playing game, the quest begins as soon as we find the old key.