delusion / cladding
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delusion
A state in which a person cannot recognize reality clearly because they are blinded by feelings, ideologies, or false ideas and can no longer judge rationally.
In seiner Verblendung erkannte er nicht, dass er ausgenutzt wurde.
In his delusion, he did not realize that he was being exploited.
cladding
An outer layer or covering on a wall or facade, often added for aesthetic or protective reasons, e.g. with clinker brick or natural stone.
Das Haus bekommt eine neue Verblendung aus hellem Klinker.
The house is getting new cladding made of light-colored clinker brick.
'Verblendung' (delusion/cladding) comes from the verb 'verblenden', which means 'to blind' or 'to take away one's sight'. This explains both meanings: the metaphorical 'Verblendung' (delusion) of the mind (m01) and the literal 'Verblendung' (cladding) of a house wall (m02), which covers the original wall.
Er war so verliebt, dass er ihre Fehler nicht sah – ein klassischer Fall von Verblendung.
He was so in love that he did not see her flaws—a classic case of delusion.
The two meanings are easy to distinguish through context. If the topic is psychology, feelings, or ideologies, it refers to mental 'Verblendung' (delusion). If the topic is architecture, construction, or facades, it refers to the covering of a wall.
Seine politische Verblendung machte eine Diskussion unmöglich.
His political delusion made a discussion impossible.
In the meaning of 'mental blindness', 'Verblendung' (delusion) is a rather elevated and formal word. It is often found in literature, psychology, or sophisticated discussions.
Der Roman beschreibt die Verblendung eines Mannes, der nach Macht strebt.
The novel describes the delusion of a man who strives for power.
As a term for facade cladding, 'Verblendung' (cladding) is a technical term from construction and architecture. In everyday language, this term is used less often.
Der Architekt entschied sich für eine Verblendung aus Naturstein.
The architect chose cladding made of natural stone.
disguise / covering
Both words can refer to an outer covering on a wall or facade. Verkleidung is the more general term for a protective or decorative covering, while Verblendung usually means a fixed outer layer made of brick or natural stone. Use Verkleidung as the general term and Verblendung for this particular type of facade layer.
Die Fassade bekam eine feste Verblendung aus Klinkersteinen.
The facade was given a fixed layer of clinker bricks.
Die Wand bekam eine dekorative Verkleidung aus Holz.
The wall was given a decorative wood covering.
