die  Legende

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/leˈɡɛndə/

📖 What does "die Legende" mean?

The German word die Legende has several meanings:

• 📜 Legend/Story: A traditional story, often about saints, heroes, or historical events, whose historical accuracy isn't always proven. It often serves to illustrate values or virtues. Example: die Legende von Robin Hood (the legend of Robin Hood).
• 🌟 Icon/Legendary Figure: A person who has become famous and admired during their lifetime or posthumously due to exceptional achievements or qualities. Example: Pelé ist eine Fußball-Legende (Pelé is a football legend).
• 🗺️ Key/Legend (on a map): An explanation of the symbols, colors, or abbreviations used on a map, diagram, or technical drawing. Example: Die Legende der Wanderkarte erklärt die verschiedenen Wegmarkierungen (The legend of the hiking map explains the different trail markers).

🚨 Although all meanings use the article "die", understanding the context is crucial for the correct interpretation.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🔍 Grammar of "die Legende" in Detail

"Legende" is a feminine noun, therefore it uses the article die. Its declension follows the pattern for feminine nouns ending in -e (weak declension in the plural).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die alte Legende wird noch heute erzählt.
   (The old legend is still told today.)
2. Er gilt als lebende Legende in der Musikszene.
   (He is considered a living legend in the music scene.)
3. Ohne die Legende kann ich die Karte nicht verstehen.
   (Without the legend/key, I can't understand the map.)
4. Wir lauschten den spannenden Legenden am Lagerfeuer.
   (We listened to the exciting legends around the campfire.)

💡 How to Use "die Legende"

• In historical/literary contexts: When talking about traditional stories, especially those with religious or heroic backgrounds (e.g., Heiligenlegenden - legends of saints, Heldensagen - heroic sagas). The distinction between Legende, Sage (saga), and Mythos (myth) can sometimes be blurry.
• To describe people: Often used in sports, music, or film to honor outstanding personalities (e.g., eine Filmlegende - a film legend, zur Legende werden - to become a legend). Can sometimes be used hyperbolically.
• In technical/cartographic contexts: Essential when reading plans, maps, or charts to decipher the symbols.

Confusion is unlikely as the context usually makes the meaning clear. The corresponding adjective is legendär (legendary).

🧠 Mnemonics for Legende

Article Mnemonic: Many feminine German nouns end in -e, like die Legende. Picture a famous queen (feminine -> die) who is both telling a story (Legende meaning 1) and is an icon (Legende meaning 2). Die Legende ends in -e!

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the English word "legible" (readable), which shares roots with Legende (from Latin *legere* - to read). A Legende (story) was often *read* aloud. A map's Legende helps you *read* the map. And you can often *read* about the deeds of a living Legende (icon) in the news.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar words: Legal (legal) or Legat (legate/legacy) have completely different meanings.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat die Landkarte schlechte Laune?
Weil sie ihre Legende verloren hat und jetzt niemand mehr versteht, was sie meint! 😄

(Why is the map in a bad mood?
Because it lost its legend (key), and now nobody understands what it means!)

✍️ Poem about a Legend

Die Legende lebt, so alt und grau,
Erzählt von Mut, von Held und Frau.
Ein Funken Wahrheit, tief versteckt,
Der unsre Fantasie erweckt.

Auf Karten auch weist sie den Pfad,
Erklärt Symbol und Grad für Grad.
Und wer Großes tat, mit Ruhm und Glanz,
Wird selbst zur Legende, überdauert ganz.

(The legend lives, so old and grey,
Tells of courage, hero, woman's way.
A spark of truth, concealed inside,
That wakes our fantasy with pride.)

(On maps as well, it shows the track,
Explains each symbol, leaves no lack.
And those who did great deeds, with fame and glance,
Become a legend, outlasting time's dance.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich erzähl' von Rittern, kühn und stark,
Von Heil'gen Wundern im alten Park.
Ich kann auch zeigen auf der Kart',
Was jedes Zeichen für dich parat.
Und manchmal bin ich Mensch, berühmt,
Dessen Name durch die Zeiten rühmt.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: die Legende)

(I tell of knights, bold and strong,
Of holy wonders, where myths throng.
I can also show upon the chart,
What every symbol sets apart.
And sometimes I'm a person, famed,
Whose name through ages is acclaimed.)

(What am I?
Answer: die Legende / the legend)

🧐 Other Info about die Legende

Etymology: The word "Legende" comes from the Middle Latin legenda, meaning "that which is to be read" or "things worth reading". Originally, it referred to the life stories of saints that were read aloud during church services on their feast days.

Cultural Significance: Legenden (legends) play an important role in shaping cultural identities and transmitting values and traditions across generations.