German word

Mär

Pronunciation

IPA/mɛːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nountale

Example

Die alte Mär ist kaum noch bekannt.

The old tale is hardly known anymore.

Illustration for Mär (tale)

More examples

Viele Leute fallen noch auf solche Mär herein.

Many people still fall for such tales.

Core concept

A firelit story carried through generations, where remembered events blend with wonder.

Common phrases

  • auf eine Mär hereinfallen

    fall for a tale

  • eine Mär glauben

    believe a tale

Similar words

Legende: A traditional tale of supernatural events or heroes, with uncertain historical truth.
Geschichte: A general account of events or experiences, whether factual or fictional.
Märchen: A fictional children's tale often featuring magic, miracles, or a moral lesson.
Sage: A traditional tale passed down orally about a particular place or person.

Definition in German

Eine traditionelle Erzählung, die mündlich oder schriftlich überliefert ist und häufig fantastische Motive enthält.

Word origin

The German noun Mär is inherited from Middle High German mære, a word for news, report, or story.

Usage tips

  • Mär has a literary and somewhat old-fashioned register, so Geschichte is usually more neutral in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • mythnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Märchenfairy talenoun
  • Märchenfilmfairy-tale filmnoun

Word lists with this word