forecast / prediction
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forecast / prediction
A statement about how something is likely to develop in the future, often based on data or observations. This frequently concerns the weather, the economy, or sports results.
Die Wettervorhersage für morgen meldet Sonnenschein und hohe Temperaturen.
The weather forecast for tomorrow reports sunshine and high temperatures.
prophecy / prediction
A prophecy about future events, usually not scientifically based, that often has a fateful or supernatural character.
Die alte Frau machte eine düstere Vorhersage über die Zukunft des Königreichs.
The old woman made a gloomy prophecy about the future of the kingdom.
The word is a nominalization of the verb 'vorhersagen' (to predict/forecast). It is made up of 'vorher' (beforehand) and 'sagen' (to say). Literally, then, it means saying something before it happens.
Es ist schwer, die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung genau vorherzusagen.
It is hard to predict economic development accurately.
The context shows what kind of 'Vorhersage' (forecast/prediction) is meant. If it is about data and science (weather, economy), the neutral meaning is intended. If it is about fate or the supernatural (oracle, fortune-teller), a prophecy is meant.
Die Vorhersage der Analysten war sehr optimistisch.
The analysts' forecast was very optimistic.
In a scientific or data-based context, the verb 'treffen' (to make) or 'machen' (to make) is often used. You can make a 'zuverlässige' (reliable), 'genaue' (accurate), or 'vage' (vague) prediction.
Die Experten haben eine genaue Vorhersage für das Wahlergebnis getroffen.
The experts made an accurate prediction for the election result.
The word 'Vorhersage' (forecast/prediction) is often part of compound nouns that specify the area of the forecast more precisely. The best-known example is 'Wettervorhersage' (weather forecast).
Ich schaue mir jeden Morgen die Wettervorhersage an.
I look at the weather forecast every morning.
prognosis / forecast
Prognose and Vorhersage can both refer to a statement about the likely future. Prognose sounds particularly like a professionally or analytically based assessment, whereas Vorhersage is more general and also fits everyday situations. Prognose is common with data and analyses; for a simple statement, Vorhersage is sufficient.
Die Vorhersage für das Wochenende verspricht sonniges Wetter.
The weekend forecast promises sunny weather.
Die Wirtschaftsprognose beruht auf aktuellen Daten und erwartet ein langsameres Wachstum.
The economic forecast is based on current data and expects slower growth.
