tradition / transmission
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tradition / lore
A story, custom, or piece of information that has been passed down from generation to generation. It often refers to orally transmitted stories or legends.
Der Überlieferung nach soll in dieser alten Burg ein Schatz versteckt sein.
According to tradition, a treasure is said to be hidden in this old castle.
'Überlieferung' (tradition / transmission) is the nominalization of the verb 'überliefern' (to pass down). This verb means to pass something (knowledge, stories) on to the next generation, so essentially 'to deliver it across time.'
Diese Geschichten wurden von Generation zu Generation mündlich überliefert.
These stories were passed down orally from generation to generation.
The meaning 'process' (m02) is often made clear by adjectives like 'mündliche' (oral) or 'schriftliche' (written) Überlieferung. The meaning 'story' (m01) is often recognizable from fixed expressions like 'der Überlieferung nach' (according to tradition) or from use in the plural.
Die schriftliche Überlieferung der Texte sicherte ihr Fortbestehen.
The written transmission of the texts ensured their continued existence.
The phrase 'der Überlieferung nach' (according to tradition) or 'laut Überlieferung' (according to tradition) often appears at the beginning of a sentence. It introduces information that comes from an old story or tradition.
Laut Überlieferung wurde die Stadt auf sieben Hügeln erbaut.
According to tradition, the city was built on seven hills.
The plural 'die Überlieferungen' (traditions / pieces of lore) always refers to the concrete stories, texts, or customs (meaning m01), not to the process of passing something on.
In dem Buch werden verschiedene alte Überlieferungen der Region gesammelt.
The book collects various old traditions from the region.
tradition
'die Tradition' and 'die Überlieferung' both have to do with something being passed down from the past to the present. 'Tradition' often means a habit, custom, or way of acting that people continue. 'Überlieferung' emphasizes more strongly the passing on itself, or the content that has been passed down, for example stories, legends, or old knowledge. Learners may confuse the words because traditions are preserved through transmission. When it is about doing something and keeping a custom alive, 'Tradition' fits. When it is about information from earlier times that has been told or passed on, 'Überlieferung' fits better.
Nach alter Überlieferung lebte früher ein Fischer in dieser Höhle.
According to old tradition, a fisherman once lived in this cave.
In der Nachbarschaft ist die Tradition entstanden, im Sommer gemeinsam zu grillen.
A tradition has developed in the neighborhood of having barbecues together in the summer.