constellation
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constellation
A group of stars that, as seen from Earth, form a recognizable pattern in the night sky and are often named after a mythological figure, an animal, or an object.
Der Große Wagen ist ein bekanntes Sternbild am Nordhimmel.
The Big Dipper is a well-known constellation in the northern sky.
constellation
In a figurative sense, a particular constellation or arrangement of people or circumstances at a specific point in time.
In diesem politischen Sternbild ist eine schnelle Einigung kaum zu erwarten.
In this political constellation, a quick agreement can hardly be expected.
The word is made up of 'Stern' (star) and 'Bild' (picture/image). So it literally describes a 'picture made of stars' that people believe they can recognize in the sky.
Schon als Kind habe ich gerne die Sternbilder am Nachthimmel gesucht.
Even as a child, I enjoyed looking for constellations in the night sky.
You can recognize the astronomical meaning from words like 'Himmel' (sky), 'beobachten' (to observe), or names like 'Orion'. The figurative meaning refers to abstract situations, often in connection with adjectives like 'politisch' (political) or 'persönlich' (personal).
Am klaren Nachthimmel kann man das Sternbild Kassiopeia gut sehen.
In the clear night sky, you can see the constellation Cassiopeia well.
In an astronomical context, 'Sternbild' (constellation) is often used with verbs such as 'beobachten' (to observe), 'erkennen' (to recognize), 'suchen' (to look for), or 'finden' (to find).
Mit einer App auf dem Handy kann man ganz einfach Sternbilder am Himmel identifizieren.
With an app on your phone, you can easily identify constellations in the sky.
The figurative meaning of 'Sternbild' (constellation) for a constellation of people or circumstances belongs to elevated or educated language.
Das neue Team bildet ein vielversprechendes Sternbild für die Zukunft des Unternehmens.
The new team forms a promising constellation for the future of the company.
constellation
Both words can refer to a grouping of stars in the sky. A Sternbild is a recognizable, often named pattern, whereas a Konstellation can also mean the particular, possibly temporary arrangement of stars or planets. Use “Sternbild” for the familiar pattern and “Konstellation” for the current arrangement.
Das Sternbild Orion bildet ein gut erkennbares Muster am Nachthimmel.
The constellation Orion forms a clearly recognizable pattern in the night sky.
Die heutige Konstellation der Planeten ist am klaren Himmel gut zu sehen.
The current arrangement of the planets can be seen clearly in today’s clear sky.
