oracle
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oracle
In antiquity, a cult site or person through whom gods supposedly gave prophecies and advice.
Die alten Griechen reisten weite Strecken, um das Orakel von Delphi zu befragen.
The ancient Greeks traveled long distances to consult the Oracle of Delphi.
oracle
Figuratively, a person whose opinion is regarded as especially wise and infallible and who is often asked for advice.
Wenn es um Computerprobleme geht, ist mein Kollege unser Büro-Orakel.
When it comes to computer problems, my colleague is our office oracle.
oracle
An often mysterious or ambiguous divine pronouncement or prophecy given by an oracle.
Das Orakel verkündete in kryptischen Worten, dass ein großes Reich untergehen würde.
The oracle proclaimed in cryptic words that a great empire would fall.
Different verbs are used depending on the meaning. You 'befragen' (consult/ask) an oracle as a person or place. A prophecy is 'verkündet' (proclaimed), 'lautet' (reads/says), or you have to 'deuten' (interpret) it.
Der König befragte das Orakel nach der Zukunft seines Reiches.
The king consulted the oracle about the future of his kingdom.
In its historical meaning, 'das Orakel' (the oracle) is very often connected with 'Delphi', the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. The verb used with it is usually 'befragen' (to consult).
Viele Herrscher der Antike pilgerten zum Orakel von Delphi.
Many rulers of antiquity made pilgrimages to the Oracle of Delphi.
In modern usage, 'Orakel' (oracle) is often used somewhat ironically for a person who knows everything in a particular area. You can also form new words with it, such as 'Büro-Orakel' (office oracle).
Wenn mein Computer nicht funktioniert, frage ich unseren IT-Spezialisten, er ist unser Orakel.
When my computer doesn't work, I ask our IT specialist; he is our oracle.
When 'Orakel' (oracle) means the prophecy itself, it is often described as 'rätselhaft' (mysterious), 'dunkel' (obscure), or 'doppeldeutig' (ambiguous). This emphasizes that the statement is hard to understand.
Der König grübelte tagelang über das rätselhafte Orakel.
The king pondered the mysterious oracle for days.
prophet
A Prophet proclaims the divine will as a religious messenger. An Orakel, by contrast, is typically asked for advice or a prophecy and then gives an answer. The key difference is whether someone proclaims a message or responds to a request.
Das Orakel gab dem Volk auf seine Frage eine warnende Antwort der Götter.
In response to the people’s question, the oracle gave them a warning from the gods.
Der Prophet verkündete dem Volk eine Warnung Gottes.
The prophet proclaimed a warning from God to the people.
