die Legende
Translation
legend, key (on a map), caption
Examples
Er ist eine lebende Legende.
He is a living legend.
Die Legende vom Drachen ist sehr alt.
The legend of the dragon is very old.
Die Legende der Karte erklärt die Symbole.
The map's legend explains the symbols.
Grammar Patterns
the legend of ((sb./sth.)) Die Legende von König Artus ist bekannt.
to be a legend Er ist eine Sportlegende.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Sage (saga), Märchen (fairy tale); Zeichenerklärung (key/legend)
Etymology
From Latin 'legenda' meaning '(things) to be read', originally referring to stories of saints' lives.
Memory Tips
It's a cognate of the English 'legend'. The Latin root 'to be read' links both the story meaning and the text that explains a map (the key).