die Eigenschaft
characteristic
A typical feature or character trait that distinguishes a person, object, or substance.
EXAMPLE
Geduld ist eine sehr nützliche Eigenschaft.
Patience is a very useful characteristic.
die Eigenschaft
characteristic / capacity
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Meanings
in seiner/ihrer Eigenschaft als
in one's capacity as
In a particular function, role, or position that someone holds. This expression is mostly used in formal contexts.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Eigenschaft als Vereinsvorsitzender eröffnete er die Versammlung.
In his capacity as club chairperson, he opened the meeting.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'eigen' (own) and the suffix '-schaft' (-ship/-ness). It therefore describes something that is 'eigen' (inherent) to a person or object, meaning that it belongs to them or it.
EXAMPLE
Ehrlichkeit ist eine wichtige Eigenschaft für eine Freundschaft.
Honesty is an important characteristic for a friendship.
Typical collocations
Common verbs are 'eine Eigenschaft haben' (to have a characteristic) or 'besitzen' (to possess). Adjectives that often come before it are 'positiv' (positive), 'negativ' (negative), 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad), or 'charakteristisch' (characteristic).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Material hat die Eigenschaft, sehr leicht und trotzdem stabil zu sein.
This material has the characteristic of being very light and yet stable.
Fixed expression
This meaning is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'in seiner/ihrer Eigenschaft als ...' (in his/her capacity as ...). It expresses that someone is acting in a particular official role or function.
EXAMPLE
In ihrer Eigenschaft als Ärztin riet sie ihm, sich auszuruhen.
In her capacity as a doctor, she advised him to rest.
Register
The expression 'in seiner/ihrer Eigenschaft als' (in his/her capacity as) is very formal. You mainly find it in written language, in official speeches, or in legal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Bürgermeister begrüßte die Gäste in seiner Eigenschaft als Gastgeber.
The mayor welcomed the guests in his capacity as host.
Compare with
Eigenschaft vs Rolle
role / roll
“Die Rolle” and “in seiner/ihrer Eigenschaft als” can both describe a person’s function or position. “Die Rolle” is neutral and common in everyday language and emphasizes the context, while “in seiner/ihrer Eigenschaft als” is a formal expression. The expression is appropriate in official texts; otherwise, “Rolle” is usually used.
Eigenschaft
In ihrer Eigenschaft als Vorsitzende begrüßt sie die Gäste.
In her capacity as chair, she welcomes the guests.
Rolle
In ihrer Rolle als Vorsitzende begrüßt sie die Gäste.
In her role as chair, she welcomes the guests.
In real life
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