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.
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.
sign / symbol
'das Zeichen' and 'das Omen' can both be an indication of something. 'das Zeichen' is more neutral and broader: it can point to a condition or a possible development. 'das Omen' is more specific and often has to do with the idea that an event announces the future. It sounds more like interpretation, belief, or a sign of things to come. The words can be confusing because an omen is a kind of sign. In everyday language, people usually say 'Zeichen' when they want to stay factual. 'Omen' fits when something is understood as a good or bad omen.
Für die Mannschaft war der frühe Treffer ein gutes Omen.
For the team, the early goal was a good omen.
Die dunklen Wolken sind ein Zeichen für schlechtes Wetter.
The dark clouds are a sign of bad weather.