01
die Figur
figure
The outer form or shape of a human body.
example
Sie achtet sehr auf ihre Figur und treibt viel Sport.
She pays close attention to her figure and does a lot of sports.
die Figur
figure
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 06
Usage tips
False friend
Unlike the English word 'figure', 'Figur' in German is not used for numbers, data, or prices. Don't say 'die Verkaufsfiguren' (sales figures), but rather 'die Verkaufszahlen' (sales numbers).
EXAMPLE
Die aktuellen Arbeitslosenzahlen sind besorgniserregend.
The current unemployment numbers are concerning.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'eine gute/schlechte Figur machen' means to make a good or bad impression. It's often used to evaluate someone's appearance or performance.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er schlecht vorbereitet war, hat er bei der Präsentation eine gute Figur gemacht.
Even though he was poorly prepared, he cut a good figure during the presentation.
Context clues
The many meanings of 'Figur' are easy to recognize from context. If it's about sports or diet, it refers to body shape. In books or films, it means characters. In games like chess, it refers to game pieces.
EXAMPLE
Diese Figur in dem Roman hat mir besonders gut gefallen.
I especially liked this character in the novel.
Typical collocations
When referring to body shape, typical phrases are 'auf seine Figur achten' (to watch one's figure), 'eine gute Figur haben' (to have a good figure), or 'eine schlanke Figur bekommen' (to get a slim figure).
EXAMPLE
Sie achtet sehr auf ihre Figur und isst viel Gemüse.
She pays close attention to her figure and eats a lot of vegetables.
Typical collocations
In the context of stories, 'Figur' is often combined with adjectives: 'die Hauptfigur' (the main character), 'eine wichtige Nebenfigur' (an important supporting character), or 'eine tragische Figur' (a tragic character).
EXAMPLE
Die Hauptfigur des Films ist eine mutige Journalistin.
The main character of the film is a brave journalist.
Compound nouns
In the meaning of 'Modell' (model) or 'Spielfigur' (game piece), 'Figur' is often part of compound words like 'die Schachfigur' (chess piece), 'die Spielfigur' (game piece), or 'die Porzellanfigur' (porcelain figurine).
EXAMPLE
Meine Oma sammelt kleine Porzellanfiguren.
My grandma collects small porcelain figurines.
Compare with
Figur vs Person
person
'die Person' and 'die Figur' can both mean an individual character in a story, film, or play. However, 'Person' is more general and is especially suitable for real people. 'Figur' is often used for fictional people in stories or for the outer shape of a body. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in texts about stories. Practically speaking: in everyday life, when talking about real people, you usually say 'Person'; in novels, films, or when describing a body shape, 'Figur' is more likely.
Figur
In dem Roman verändert sich die wichtigste Figur erst ganz am Ende.
In the novel, the most important character changes only at the very end.
Person
Wenn du eine Person auf der Feier nicht kennst, stell dich einfach kurz vor.
If you don't know someone at the party, just briefly introduce yourself.
In real life
Loading video examples...