variation
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variation
A modification or another, slightly changed form or version of something.
Dieses Rezept für Apfelkuchen hat viele Variationen, zum Beispiel mit Nüssen oder Rosinen.
This recipe for apple cake has many variations, for example with nuts or raisins.
'Die Variation' (variation) belongs to the word family of the verb 'variieren' (to vary). When something varies, there are different variations of it. This helps you understand the meaning 'modification' or 'change'.
Die Preise für das Produkt variieren je nach Geschäft.
The prices for the product vary depending on the store.
When 'Variation' describes a modified form of something, the preposition 'von' is almost always used. You speak of 'einer Variation von etwas' (a variation of something).
Der Film ist eine moderne Variation von Shakespeares „Romeo und Julia“.
The film is a modern variation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
In scientific or technical texts, 'Variation' often means 'fluctuation' or 'deviation'. You can recognize this meaning from adjectives such as 'gering' (slight), 'statistisch' (statistical), or 'saisonal' (seasonal).
Die Messungen zeigten nur eine geringe Variation.
The measurements showed only a slight variation.
In the field of classical music, 'Thema mit Variationen' (theme with variations) is a fixed technical term. It describes a piece of music in which a melody is repeated several times in a changed form.
Mozarts Komposition „Zwölf Variationen über ‚Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman‘“ ist weltberühmt.
Mozart's composition 'Twelve Variations on "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman"' is world-famous.
version
'die Version' and 'die Variation' can both mean a different form of something. 'Version' is the more general word for a specific version or edition, for example of a text, product, or song. 'Variation' puts more emphasis on the change within a basic pattern: something remains recognizably the same, but is done slightly differently. In music, a variation is a special form in which a theme is repeated in a changed form. Learners can confuse the words because a variation often seems like a version. As a simple guide: use 'Version' for a clearly named version or edition. Use 'Variation' when small modifications or creative differences are important.
Zu Hause probiert sie eine Variation des Rezepts mit weniger Zucker.
At home, she tries a variation of the recipe with less sugar.
Am Abend schickt sie die neue Version des Berichts an ihr Team.
In the evening, she sends the new version of the report to her team.