autobiography
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autobiography
The life story of a person, written by that person themselves.
In seiner Autobiografie berichtet der berühmte Musiker von den Anfängen seiner Karriere.
In his autobiography, the famous musician writes about the beginnings of his career.
This word comes from Greek and is internationally understandable. 'Auto-' means 'self', 'bio-' means 'life', and '-grafie' means 'writing'. Literally, then, it is a 'self-life-writing'.
Die Vorsilbe „Auto-“ wie in „Automobil“ bedeutet immer „selbst“.
The prefix 'Auto-' as in 'Automobil' (automobile) always means 'self'.
Common verbs used with 'Autobiografie' (autobiography) are 'schreiben' (to write), 'verfassen' (to compose), 'veröffentlichen' (to publish), and 'lesen' (to read). People often speak of the 'Autobiografie von' (autobiography of) a specific person.
Der Politiker kündigte an, nach seiner Amtszeit eine Autobiografie zu schreiben.
The politician announced that he would write an autobiography after his term in office.
To say whose life story it is, you usually use the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/by). For example: 'die Autobiografie des Schauspielers' (the actor's autobiography) or 'die Autobiografie von Marie Curie' (the autobiography of Marie Curie).
Die Autobiografie von Nelson Mandela hat mich tief beeindruckt.
The autobiography of Nelson Mandela deeply impressed me.
résumé / life story
'der Lebenslauf' and 'die Autobiografie' both refer to a person's life. A 'Lebenslauf' is often a factual document, especially for job applications. It is short and organized and lists important stages such as school, training, and work. An 'Autobiografie' is a self-written life story. It tells about events and experiences in a more personal and detailed way. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that both words have 'life' as their topic. When you apply for a job, you need a 'Lebenslauf' (résumé / CV). When someone tells their life as a story, it is an 'Autobiografie' (autobiography).
Meine Schwester liest am Wochenende die Autobiografie einer bekannten Sportlerin.
My sister is reading the autobiography of a well-known athlete this weekend.
Für die Stelle im Hotel schickt Lisa heute ihren Lebenslauf ab.
Lisa is sending off her résumé today for the job at the hotel.