legend
die Sage, die Sagen
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legend
A story usually passed down orally in which historical events, people, or places are combined with fantastical elements.
Die Sage von Wilhelm Tell ist in der Schweiz sehr bekannt.
The legend of William Tell is very well known in Switzerland.
legend / tale
An invented or heavily embellished story that is passed on as if it were true.
Die Behauptung, der Schatz liege unter dem Schloss, ist wahrscheinlich nur eine Sage.
The claim that the treasure is buried beneath the castle is probably just a legend.
according to legend
According to a traditional story; used to present something whose historical truth is uncertain.
Der Sage nach soll in diesem See ein Drache gelebt haben.
According to legend, a dragon once lived in this lake.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sagen |
| genitive | der Sage |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Sage | die Sagen |
| accusative | die Sage | die Sagen |
| dative | der Sage | den Sagen |
| genitive | der Sage | der Sagen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
This meaning is often used with specific names of people, places, or events: for example, people speak of a legend about a mountain, a castle, or a historical figure. Fantastical motifs such as giants, dragons, or enchanted objects are also typical signals.
Die Sage von der Loreley verbindet einen realen Ort mit einer geheimnisvollen Figur.
The legend of the Loreley connects a real place with a mysterious figure.
For an embellished story, common expressions include „eine Sage erzählen“ (to tell a legend), „eine Sage weitergeben“ (to pass on a legend), „nur eine Sage sein“ (to be just a legend), or „als Sage gelten“ (to be considered a legend). These expressions often show that the truth of the story is doubtful.
Die Geschichte vom geheimen Tunnel wurde über Generationen weitergegeben und gilt heute als Sage.
The story about the secret tunnel was passed down through generations and is now considered a legend.
In „der Sage nach“ (according to legend), „der Sage“ is in the dative because the preposition „nach“ (according to) requires this case. When the expression appears at the beginning of a sentence, the conjugated verb follows it directly.
Der Sage nach bewacht ein Geist noch heute die Ruinen.
According to legend, a ghost still guards the ruins today.
In diesem Tal soll der Sage nach ein Riese gelebt haben.
According to legend, a giant once lived in this valley.
