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.
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
'das Bild' and 'das Abbild' can both mean a representation of something or someone. 'Bild' is neutral and very general; it is used for photos, drawings, or paintings in everyday language. 'Abbild' sounds more precise and somewhat more formal. It emphasizes that something appears as a copy or representation of an original. The words can be confused because an 'Abbild' often looks like a 'Bild'. If you are simply talking about a photo or a drawing, 'Bild' is more natural; if the similarity to the original is important, 'Abbild' fits better.
Die Statue ist ein genaues Abbild des alten Königs.
The statue is an exact likeness of the old king.
Zu Hause hänge ich ein Bild von der Küste über den Schreibtisch.
At home, I hang a picture of the coast above the desk.