image / likeness
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image / likeness
A pictorial or three-dimensional representation that imitates something or someone; a copy or representation.
Die Büste ist ein sehr realistisches Abbild des Dichters.
The bust is a very realistic likeness of the poet.
spitting image
A person who very strongly resembles another person in appearance, especially a parent.
Der Sohn ist das reinste Abbild seines Vaters.
The son is the spitting image of his father.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ab-' and the noun 'Bild' (image/picture). The prefix 'ab-' expresses here that something is derived or copied from an original. An 'Abbild' (image/likeness) is therefore literally a 'derived image'.
Diese Statue ist ein genaues Abbild der Königin.
This statue is an exact likeness of the queen.
To express what something is an 'Abbild' (image/likeness) of, the genitive is very commonly used. Alternatively, the preposition 'von' (of/from) with the dative can also be used.
Das Gemälde ist ein perfektes Abbild der Landschaft.
The painting is a perfect image of the landscape.
When one person looks very similar to another, the fixed expression 'das reinste Abbild von jemandem sein' (to be the very image/spitting image of someone) is often used. The word 'reinste' (very/purest) intensifies the similarity here.
Mit ihren blonden Locken ist die Tochter das reinste Abbild ihrer Mutter.
With her blond curls, the daughter is the spitting image of her mother.
picture / image
Bild and Abbild can refer to a visual representation of something or someone. Bild is the neutral, broader term; Abbild emphasizes that the representation imitates or reproduces a specific original. Use Bild in general and Abbild when the resemblance to the original is important.
Das Abbild zeigt den alten Bahnhof fast genau wie das Original.
The likeness shows the old train station almost exactly as the original does.
Das Bild zeigt den alten Bahnhof von außen.
The picture shows the old train station from the outside.
