01
die Gestalt
figure / shape
The outer form or appearance of a person, animal, or object, often recognizable only as an outline.
example
Im Nebel konnte man nur eine dunkle Gestalt erkennen.
In the fog, you could only make out a dark figure.
die Gestalt
figure / shape
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Gestalt' (figure/shape) is related to the verb 'stellen' (to place/put). It describes how something is 'gestellt' (placed/formed), that is, its outer form and structure.
EXAMPLE
Die Wolken nahmen die Gestalt eines Drachen an.
The clouds took the shape of a dragon.
Register and style
'Gestalt' (figure/shape) is a rather elevated and literary word. It is often used to express a certain solemnity or mystery.
EXAMPLE
In der Dämmerung trat eine geheimnisvolle Gestalt aus dem Wald.
At dusk, a mysterious figure stepped out of the forest.
Typical collocations
When referring to a visible form, 'Gestalt' (figure/shape) is often combined with adjectives such as 'dunkel' (dark), 'schattenhaft' (shadowy), 'menschlich' (human), or 'unheimlich' (eerie).
EXAMPLE
Hinter dem Vorhang bewegte sich eine schattenhafte Gestalt.
Behind the curtain, a shadowy figure was moving.
Literary context
In literary or historical contexts, 'Gestalt' (figure/character) describes a character. Typical combinations are 'eine tragische Gestalt' (a tragic figure), 'eine historische Gestalt' (a historical figure), or 'eine literarische Gestalt' (a literary figure).
EXAMPLE
Der Roman handelt von den großen Gestalten der Weimarer Republik.
The novel is about the great figures of the Weimar Republic.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Gestalt annehmen' (to take shape) means that an idea, plan, or project slowly becomes concrete and real. The subject of the sentence is always the plan or idea.
EXAMPLE
Die Idee für das neue Buch beginnt, in meinem Kopf Gestalt anzunehmen.
The idea for the new book is beginning to take shape in my head.
Compare with
Gestalt vs Person
person
'die Person' and 'die Gestalt' can both have to do with a human being or a figure. 'Person' is the normal word for an individual person or a character in a story. 'Gestalt' describes more the outward appearance or a figure, often somewhat unclear, from a distance, or in literary language. In everyday language, people usually say 'Person'. 'Gestalt' fits better when you want to emphasize what someone looks like or that they are only recognizable as an outline.
Gestalt
Am Abend sahen wir eine dunkle Gestalt vor dem Haus stehen.
In the evening, we saw a dark figure standing in front of the house.
Person
Wegen des Fehlers muss eine Person aus dem Büro die Daten noch einmal prüfen.
Because of the error, someone from the office has to check the data again.
In real life
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