to represent / portray / constitute
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to represent
To show, describe, or depict something through words, images, or symbols.
Diese Grafik stellt die Bevölkerungsentwicklung der letzten 50 Jahre dar.
This chart represents the population development of the last 50 years.
to portray
To play a role in a play or film; to embody someone.
Die Schauspielerin stellt die Königin sehr überzeugend dar.
The actress portrays the queen very convincingly.
to constitute
To be or mean something specific; to have a particular quality.
Der Klimawandel stellt eine ernsthafte Bedrohung für die Menschheit dar.
Climate change constitutes a serious threat to humanity.
to present oneself
To present or make oneself appear in a particular way.
Er versucht, sich immer als besonders kompetent darzustellen.
He always tries to present himself as especially competent.
'Darstellen' (to represent/portray/constitute) is a separable verb. The prefix 'dar-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Film stellt das Leben einer berühmten Wissenschaftlerin dar.
The film portrays the life of a famous scientist.
In the meaning 'abbilden' (to depict/represent), 'darstellen' (to represent) is often used with objects that visualize information. Typical objects are 'eine Grafik' (a chart), 'ein Diagramm' (a diagram/chart), 'eine Statistik' (a statistic), or 'ein Prozess' (a process).
Dieses Diagramm stellt die Verkaufszahlen des letzten Jahres dar.
This diagram represents last year's sales figures.
When 'darstellen' (to portray) is used in the context of art and culture, the subject is usually an artist or actor, and the object is the role or character being played.
In seinem neuen Film stellt er einen gebrochenen Helden dar.
In his new film, he portrays a broken hero.
In the meaning 'sein' (to be) or 'bedeuten' (to mean), 'darstellen' (to constitute) is typical of formal or factual language. Common combinations are 'ein Problem darstellen' (to constitute a problem), 'eine Gefahr darstellen' (to constitute a danger), or 'eine Herausforderung darstellen' (to constitute a challenge).
Die hohe Arbeitslosigkeit stellt ein großes Problem für die Region dar.
High unemployment constitutes a major problem for the region.
The reflexive form 'sich darstellen' (to present oneself) means to present oneself in a particular way. It can have a neutral meaning or suggest that the presentation does not entirely match reality.
In sozialen Medien stellen sich viele Menschen erfolgreicher dar, als sie sind.
On social media, many people present themselves as more successful than they are.
to play
Spielen and darstellen can both refer to embodying a character in theater or film. Spielen combines especially naturally with a role or the name of the character. Darstellen focuses more strongly on the character someone portrays. The noun it refers to therefore often determines the idiomatic choice.
Im neuen Stück stellt Lea eine junge Ärztin dar.
In the new production, Lea portrays a young doctor.
Im neuen Stück spielt Lea die Hauptrolle.
Lea plays the lead role in the new production.
