omen
das Omen, die Omen
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omen
A sign or event that people believe predicts the future. It can be interpreted as either a good or a bad omen.
Der plötzliche Regenbogen nach dem Sturm wurde als gutes Omen für die Hochzeit gewertet.
The sudden rainbow after the storm was seen as a good omen for the wedding.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Omen |
| genitive | des Omens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Omen | die Omen die Omina |
| accusative | das Omen | die Omen die Omina |
| dative | dem Omen | den Omen den Omina |
| genitive | des Omens | der Omen der Omina |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
An omen is rarely neutral. It is usually specified more precisely by an adjective. The most common combinations are 'ein gutes Omen' (a good omen) and 'ein schlechtes Omen' (a bad omen).
Dass die schwarze Katze seinen Weg kreuzte, sah er als schlechtes Omen.
He saw the fact that the black cat crossed his path as a bad omen.
In connection with 'Omen' (omen), the verbs 'sehen' (to see), 'deuten' (to interpret), and 'gelten als' (to be considered) are often used. An omen is something that one perceives and interprets.
Die Wahrsagerin deutete die Zeichen als Omen für eine große Veränderung.
The fortune teller interpreted the signs as an omen of a major change.
To say what the sign refers to, the preposition 'für' (for) is often used. It is an omen for something in the future.
Der erste Sonnenstrahl nach Tagen des Regens war ein Omen für einen Neuanfang.
The first ray of sunshine after days of rain was an omen of a new beginning.
hunch / idea
Both words can express an impression about the future. An „Ahnung“ remains a personal, indefinite idea; an „Omen“, on the other hand, is an event or sign to which people attach meaning for the future. Use „Omen“ when a specific sign is the focus.
Der zerbrochene Glücksbringer galt ihnen als schlechtes Omen für die Reise.
They regarded the broken lucky charm as a bad omen for the trip.
Ich hatte die Ahnung, dass die Reise schwierig werden würde, ohne zu wissen, warum.
I had a hunch that the trip would be difficult, without knowing why.
