01
das Antlitz
countenance / face
An elevated or poetic expression for a person's face.
example
Im fahlen Mondlicht wirkte ihr Antlitz noch blasser.
In the pale moonlight, her countenance looked even paler.
das Antlitz
countenance / face
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Elevated style
'Antlitz' (countenance/face) is a very formal and poetic word for 'Gesicht' (face). You mainly find it in literature, in poems, or in very elevated written language, but not in everyday conversation.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler malte das Antlitz einer jungen Frau.
The artist painted the countenance of a young woman.
Typical collocations
When 'Antlitz' (countenance/face) describes a face, it is often combined with poetic adjectives. Typical collocations are 'ein edles Antlitz' (a noble countenance), 'ein bleiches Antlitz' (a pale countenance), or 'das Antlitz eines Engels' (the face of an angel).
EXAMPLE
Im Kerzenschein wirkte ihr Antlitz sanft und friedlich.
In the candlelight, her countenance looked gentle and peaceful.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'Antlitz' (face/appearance) describes the characteristic appearance of a place or an era. For example, people speak of the 'Antlitz einer Stadt' (face of a city) or 'dem Antlitz der Zeit' (the face of the times).
EXAMPLE
Die Industrialisierung veränderte das Antlitz der Landschaft nachhaltig.
Industrialization permanently changed the face of the landscape.
Compare with
Antlitz vs Gesicht
face
'das Gesicht' and 'das Antlitz' can both mean the front part of the human head. 'Gesicht' is the normal word for almost all everyday situations. 'Antlitz' is an elevated or poetic expression and sounds unusual in normal conversation. You are more likely to find it in literature, solemn texts, or descriptions with a special style. If you are simply talking about a person, 'Gesicht' is almost always more natural. You choose 'Antlitz' when the sentence is meant to sound deliberately solemn or poetic.
Antlitz
Im alten Gedicht wird das Antlitz der Königin als hell und freundlich beschrieben.
In the old poem, the queen's countenance is described as bright and kind.
Gesicht
In der Küche wäscht Jana sich schnell das Gesicht.
In the kitchen, Jana quickly washes her face.
In real life
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