similarity
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similarity
The presence of shared features, characteristics, or traits between two or more people, things, or concepts that make them comparable.
Die Ähnlichkeit zwischen den beiden Schwestern ist verblüffend.
The similarity between the two sisters is astonishing.
'Die Ähnlichkeit' (similarity) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'ähnlich' (similar). The ending '-keit' is a typical way to form nouns from adjectives that describe a quality or state.
Die beiden Brüder sehen sich sehr ähnlich.
The two brothers look very similar.
To express what is similar, two constructions are used: 'die Ähnlichkeit zwischen A und B' (the similarity between A and B, with dative) or 'die Ähnlichkeit mit C' (the similarity to C, with dative).
Ich sehe eine große Ähnlichkeit zwischen dir und deinem Vater.
I see a strong similarity between you and your father.
The word is often combined with adjectives that describe the degree of similarity. Common combinations are 'eine große Ähnlichkeit' (a strong similarity), 'eine geringe Ähnlichkeit' (a slight similarity), or 'eine verblüffende Ähnlichkeit' (an astonishing similarity).
Es gibt nur eine geringe Ähnlichkeit zwischen dem Original und der Fälschung.
There is only a slight similarity between the original and the forgery.
parallel
Both words refer to shared features between different people, things, or situations. Ähnlichkeit remains general and describes the presence of such features, while Parallele usually highlights a specific comparable point or a corresponding development. Use Ähnlichkeit for the overall impression and Parallele for a specific correspondence.
Zwischen den beiden Filmen fällt sofort die Ähnlichkeit der Hauptfiguren auf.
The similarity between the main characters in the two films is immediately noticeable.
Zwischen den beiden Filmen gibt es eine Parallele: In beiden muss eine Familie ihre Heimat verlassen.
There is a parallel between the two films: in both, a family has to leave its home.
