comparison / lineup
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comparison
The direct comparison of two or more people, things, or facts in order to show differences or similarities.
Die Gegenüberstellung der alten und neuen Pläne machte die Verbesserungen deutlich.
The comparison of the old and new plans made the improvements clear.
lineup
A police procedure in which a witness tries to identify a suspect from a group of people.
Der Zeuge konnte den Täter bei der Gegenüberstellung eindeutig identifizieren.
The witness was able to clearly identify the perpetrator in the lineup.
The word is made up of 'gegenüber' (opposite / facing) and 'Stellung' (position, from 'stellen' — to put/place). It literally describes the act of placing two things opposite each other in order to compare them.
Die Gegenüberstellung der beiden Angebote half bei der Entscheidung.
The comparison of the two offers helped with the decision.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about police, witnesses, or suspects, the police procedure is meant. If it is about data, products, or arguments, a comparison is meant.
Die Gegenüberstellung der Vor- und Nachteile war sehr aufschlussreich.
The comparison of the advantages and disadvantages was very informative.
When things are being compared, the structure 'Gegenüberstellung von A und B' (comparison of A and B) is often used. The combination 'in der Gegenüberstellung' (in the comparison) is also common.
In der Gegenüberstellung der beiden Grafiken werden die Unterschiede sofort sichtbar.
In the comparison of the two charts, the differences become immediately visible.
In a police context, the word is often used with verbs such as 'durchführen' (to carry out), 'anordnen' (to order), or 'identifizieren' (to identify). The person who is to be identified is brought 'zur Gegenüberstellung' (to the lineup).
Die Polizei führte mit dem Hauptzeugen eine Gegenüberstellung durch.
The police conducted a lineup with the main witness.
comparison / settlement
Vergleich mainly refers to examining similarities and differences. Gegenüberstellung places more emphasis on presenting things in a structured way side by side so that they can be seen directly. Use Vergleich for an examination and Gegenüberstellung for a clear side-by-side presentation.
Die Gegenüberstellung der beiden Angebote zeigt übersichtlich, welches mehr Leistungen enthält.
The side-by-side comparison of the two offers clearly shows which one includes more features.
Der Vergleich der beiden Angebote zeigt, dass eines günstiger, das andere aber leistungsstärker ist.
Comparing the two offers shows that one is cheaper, while the other offers better performance.
