double
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lookalike
A person who looks confusingly similar to another, usually famous, person and sometimes appears as their double.
Für den öffentlichen Auftritt wurde ein Double des Politikers eingesetzt.
A lookalike of the politician was used for the public appearance.
double
A person who appears in a film instead of an actor in dangerous, physically demanding, or special scenes.
Der Schauspieler macht seine Stunts nicht selbst, dafür hat er ein Double.
The actor doesn't do his stunts himself; he has a double for that.
double
In sports, winning two important competitions, usually the league championship and the cup, within one season.
Nach dem Gewinn der Meisterschaft hat die Mannschaft nun auch die Chance auf das Double.
After winning the championship, the team now also has a chance at the double.
'Das Double' is a loanword from English ('double'). In German, however, it is used as a noun with the neuter article 'das'.
Der berühmte Sänger wird oft von einem Double begleitet.
The famous singer is often accompanied by a double.
The three main meanings are easy to recognize from context. If it is about famous people, it means a lookalike. In the context of films and action, it means a stunt double. In sports, it refers to winning two titles.
Für die gefährliche Szene sprang das Double des Schauspielers vom Dach.
The actor's double jumped from the roof for the dangerous scene.
When a person is meant, 'Double' is often used with verbs such as 'einsetzen' (to use), 'haben' (to have), or 'sein' (to be).
Wegen der Sicherheitsrisiken wurde ein Double des Präsidenten eingesetzt.
Because of the security risks, a lookalike of the president was used.
In a sports context, people say 'das Double gewinnen' (to win the double), 'das Double holen' (to claim the double), or 'das Double schaffen' (to achieve the double). It is a fixed term for a special success.
Die Mannschaft hat dieses Jahr die einmalige Chance, das Double zu holen.
This year, the team has the unique chance to claim the double.
doppelgänger
A Double and a Doppelgänger can both look very similar to another, usually famous, person. However, a Double is often deliberately used as a replacement or performer, whereas „Doppelgänger“ initially refers only to the striking similarity. Use „Double“ for a deliberate role and „Doppelgänger“ for a chance encounter.
Für die gefährliche Szene wurde ein Double des Schauspielers engagiert.
A double for the actor was hired for the dangerous scene.
Auf der Straße begegnete ich einem Doppelgänger des Schauspielers.
I ran into the actor’s doppelgänger on the street.
