exaggeration
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exaggeration
A portrayal that deliberately makes something seem bigger, more important, better, or worse than it really is.
Zu behaupten, er hätte den ganzen See allein durchschwommen, ist eine maßlose Übertreibung.
To claim that he swam across the entire lake by himself is a massive exaggeration.
The noun 'die Übertreibung' (exaggeration) belongs to the verb 'übertreiben' (to exaggerate). When someone exaggerates, the result is an 'Übertreibung' (exaggeration). The related adjective is 'übertrieben' (exaggerated).
Er neigt dazu, beim Erzählen seiner Abenteuer zu übertreiben.
He tends to exaggerate when telling stories about his adventures.
The word is derived from the verb 'übertreiben' (to exaggerate), which consists of 'über' (too much, beyond a limit) and 'treiben' (to drive or push something forward). So it literally means to push something beyond the normal measure.
Man sollte es mit dem Sport nicht übertreiben.
You should not overdo it with sports.
'Übertreibung' (exaggeration) is often combined with adjectives that describe the extent. Typical phrases are 'eine leichte Übertreibung' (a slight exaggeration), 'eine grobe Übertreibung' (a gross exaggeration), or 'eine maßlose Übertreibung' (a massive exaggeration).
Dass er der beste Spieler der Welt sei, ist eine grobe Übertreibung.
Saying that he is the best player in the world is a gross exaggeration.
distortion
'die Übertreibung' and 'die Verzerrung' can both mean that something is not presented exactly as it really is. With an 'Übertreibung', you make something seem bigger, more important, better, or worse than it is. Often, it is still clear what is meant. A 'Verzerrung' is more focused on a false or one-sided presentation. This can create an image of the truth that is misleading. The words can be confused because an exaggeration can lead to a distortion. If only 'too much' is being said, 'Übertreibung' fits. If the overall presentation seems false, 'Verzerrung' fits better.
Dass der Weg eine Stunde dauert, ist eine klare Übertreibung.
Saying that the walk takes an hour is a clear exaggeration.
Der Bericht war eine Verzerrung der Fakten und ließ wichtige Informationen weg.
The report was a distortion of the facts and left out important information.