distinction
Loading your saved state.
distinction
The process of identifying or naming a difference between two or more things, people, or situations.
Die Unterscheidung zwischen den beiden Begriffen ist für das Verständnis des Textes entscheidend.
The distinction between the two terms is crucial for understanding the text.
distinction / difference
The difference or distinction itself that exists between things.
Es gibt eine klare Unterscheidung in der Qualität der beiden Produkte.
There is a clear difference in the quality of the two products.
'Die Unterscheidung' (distinction) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'unterscheiden' (to distinguish). Both words belong to the word family around 'scheiden' (to separate) and 'der Unterschied' (the difference). If you know the verb, you can easily work out the meaning of the noun.
Man muss lernen, zwischen wichtigen und unwichtigen Aufgaben zu unterscheiden.
You have to learn to distinguish between important and unimportant tasks.
The noun 'Unterscheidung' (distinction) is almost always used with the preposition 'zwischen' (between) + dative to name the things being distinguished. The structure is: die Unterscheidung zwischen A und B (the distinction between A and B).
Die Unterscheidung zwischen Freundschaft und Liebe ist manchmal fließend.
The distinction between friendship and love is sometimes fluid.
When referring to the process of distinguishing, the noun is often combined with the verbs 'treffen' (to make) or 'machen' (to make). The phrase 'eine Unterscheidung treffen' (to make a distinction) is especially common.
Der Richter musste eine feine Unterscheidung treffen, um den Fall zu beurteilen.
The judge had to make a fine distinction in order to assess the case.
You can often tell from the verb whether the process (m01) or the difference itself (m02) is meant. Verbs like 'treffen' (to make) or 'machen' (to make) point to the process. Phrases like 'es gibt' (there is/are) or 'besteht' (exists) point to the existing difference.
Der Wissenschaftler trifft eine Unterscheidung zwischen zwei Theorien.
The scientist makes a distinction between two theories.
difference
Unterschied and Unterscheidung both relate to the difference between things. Unterschied is the already existing difference, while Unterscheidung refers to the process of identifying or naming that difference. If you are asking about the result, use Unterschied; if you mean recognizing the boundary between things, use Unterscheidung.
Die Unterscheidung zwischen den beiden Stoffen fällt bei schlechtem Licht schwer.
It is difficult to distinguish between the two fabrics in poor light.
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Stoffen ist an ihrer Farbe gut zu erkennen.
The difference between the two fabrics can easily be seen from their color.
