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.
transmission
The process of passing on knowledge, traditions, or cultural heritage to subsequent generations.
Die mündliche Überlieferung von Mythen war in alten Kulturen von zentraler Bedeutung.
The oral transmission of myths was of central importance in ancient cultures.
'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
Both words refer to something passed down through generations. Die Tradition emphasizes the continuing custom or action that is still practiced, while die Überlieferung places greater emphasis on the history, information, or content that has been passed down. Use Tradition for continuing the practice and Überlieferung for what has been handed down.
Nach der Überlieferung soll an dieser Stelle früher ein König gewohnt haben.
According to tradition, a king is said to have lived here long ago.
Das gemeinsame Singen am Feuer ist in unserem Dorf eine alte Tradition.
Singing together around the fire is an old tradition in our village.
