magic word
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magic word
A word or formula that is believed to have magical power in fairy tales or magic.
Mit dem Zauberwort „Sesam, öffne dich!“ öffnete sich das Tor zur Höhle.
With the magic words 'Open sesame!', the gate to the cave opened.
magic word
A word that has a decisive, almost magical effect in a particular social situation in order to solve a problem or achieve a goal.
Manchmal ist ein einfaches „Bitte“ das Zauberwort, das alle Türen öffnet.
Sometimes a simple 'please' is the magic word that opens every door.
The word is made up of 'der Zauber' (magic) and 'das Wort' (word). So it is literally a 'magic word'.
Der Magier sprach das geheime Zauberwort.
The magician spoke the secret magic word.
You distinguish between the literal and the figurative meaning. In the context of fairy tales and magic, it refers to a real magical word. In everyday life, it describes a word that solves a social problem.
Im Märchen öffnet das richtige Zauberwort eine geheime Tür.
In the fairy tale, the right magic word opens a secret door.
In the figurative meaning, simple polite words such as 'Bitte' (please), 'Danke' (thank you), or 'Entschuldigung' (sorry/excuse me) are often meant. They work like magic because they make social situations easier.
Meine Mutter hat mir beigebracht, dass „Danke“ ein Zauberwort ist.
My mother taught me that 'thank you' is a magic word.
password
A password and a magic word can both open access to something. A Passwort is used in real life to authenticate with a system, while a Zauberwort has magical power in fairy tales or magic. Use Passwort for real access control and Zauberwort for a magical act.
In der Geschichte öffnet sich das verschlossene Tor, nachdem Nora das Zauberwort gesprochen hat.
In the story, the locked gate opens after Nora has spoken the magic word.
Das Tor zum Onlinekonto öffnet sich erst, nachdem Nora ihr Passwort eingegeben hat.
The online account only opens after Nora has entered her password.
