Aberglaube

superstition

noun AH-ber-glow-buh Rare

Origin: from aber (here 'false') and Glaube

Usage Note

Aberglaube is superstition, with aber- here meaning false or counterfeit belief. The adjective is abergläubisch. Mostly singular; it covers folk beliefs about black cats, the number thirteen and the like.

Examples

"Dem Aberglauben nach bringt eine schwarze Katze Unglück."

Natural Translation

According to superstition a black cat brings bad luck.

Literal Translation

The superstition after brings a black cat misfortune.

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