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.
'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 mean that a person takes on a role in a film or play. 'spielen' is the normal, general word: an actor 'spielt eine Rolle' (plays a role). 'darstellen' emphasizes more strongly that someone shows or embodies a particular character. It sounds a bit more precise and often somewhat more formal. Learners may confuse the words because they are very close in this context. In everyday language, people more often say 'eine Rolle spielen'; in descriptions of acting, 'darstellen' often also fits.
Die Schauspielerin stellt in dem Film eine junge Ärztin dar.
The actress portrays a young doctor in the film.
Im Schultheater spielt Mehmet den König.
In the school play, Mehmet plays the king.