character
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character
The totality of a person's personal qualities and traits that determine their behavior and moral attitude.
Sie hat einen starken Charakter und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen.
She has a strong character and doesn't let herself be defeated.
character
A figure in a literary work, a film, or a play.
Der Hauptcharakter des Romans ist ein komplexer und widersprüchlicher Held.
The main character of the novel is a complex and contradictory hero.
character
The typical nature or special essence of a thing, place, or situation.
Die Altstadt hat ihren historischen Charakter bis heute bewahrt.
The old town has preserved its historical character to this day.
character
A written character, letter, or symbol, especially in typography or computer science.
Das Passwort muss mindestens acht Charaktere lang sein.
The password must be at least eight characters long.
Although 'Charakter' (character) often corresponds to the English 'character', there is an important difference. For a written character or symbol (as in a password), the German word 'Zeichen' (character/symbol) is much more common. The use of 'Charakter' in this context is limited to technical language.
Bitte geben Sie ein Passwort mit mindestens 12 Zeichen ein.
Please enter a password with at least 12 characters.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about a person, their personality is meant. In books or films, it is a figure or character. With places or things, it describes their essence.
Er ist ein Mensch mit festem Charakter.
He is a person of firm character.
When referring to personality, 'Charakter' (character) is often combined with adjectives like 'stark' (strong), 'schwach' (weak), 'fest' (firm), or 'gut' (good). Another common phrase is 'Charakter zeigen' (to show character), which means to be steadfast and principled.
In schwierigen Situationen zeigt sich der wahre Charakter eines Menschen.
A person's true character shows itself in difficult situations.
In literary or film contexts, people often speak of the 'Hauptcharakter' (main character/protagonist) or a 'Nebencharakter' (supporting character). The compound 'Charakterentwicklung' (character development) is also very typical here.
Der Hauptcharakter macht im Laufe der Geschichte eine interessante Entwicklung durch.
The main character undergoes an interesting development over the course of the story.
This meaning is often used to describe the special atmosphere of a place. Typical verbs here are 'bewahren' (to preserve), 'erhalten' (to maintain), or 'verlieren' (to lose).
Das Dorf hat seinen ländlichen Charakter über die Jahre erhalten.
The village has maintained its rural character over the years.
person
In a film, novel, or play, „Person“ and „Charakter“ can refer to the same figure. „Person“ sounds neutral and presents the character as an individual, while „Charakter“ emphasizes their established role or personality more strongly and is partly influenced by English in this sense. Choose between them depending on the nuance you want.
Der wichtigste Charakter im Roman verändert sich durch diese Erfahrung.
The most important character in the novel changes as a result of this experience.
Die wichtigste Person im Roman sucht nach ihrer verschwundenen Schwester.
The most important character in the novel is looking for her missing sister.
