in person
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in person
Used to emphasize that a particular, often important or unexpected person does something themselves and personally. It expresses surprise or special significance.
Die Chefin hat den Brief höchstpersönlich vorbeigebracht.
The boss brought the letter by in person.
The word is made up of 'höchst' (the superlative of 'hoch') and 'persönlich' (personal/personally). Here, 'höchst' acts as an intensifier and means something like 'in person' or 'quite personally'.
Der Ministerpräsident hat die Urkunde höchstpersönlich unterzeichnet.
The state premier signed the certificate in person.
'Höchstpersönlich' (in person) is almost always used as an unchanging adverb to emphasize that a person performs an action themselves. It usually comes directly after the conjugated verb or at the end of the sentence.
Der berühmte Autor las bei der Veranstaltung höchstpersönlich aus seinem neuen Buch.
The famous author read from his new book at the event in person.
The use of 'höchstpersönlich' (in person) often expresses surprise or the special importance of the action. It is not a neutral word, but has a strongly emphatic character.
Stell dir vor, der König hat uns höchstpersönlich zum Tee eingeladen!
Imagine, the king invited us to tea in person!
oneself / even
'selbst' and 'höchstpersönlich' both emphasize that a particular person does something in person. 'selbst' is neutral and fits many everyday situations. 'höchstpersönlich' is much stronger and often sounds surprised or especially emphatic. You use it when it is important or unexpected that exactly this person comes or does something. In everyday language, 'selbst' is usually more natural; 'höchstpersönlich' makes the statement more striking.
Der Chef bringt die Unterlagen höchstpersönlich vorbei, obwohl er sonst nie zu uns kommt.
The boss is bringing the documents by in person, even though he otherwise never comes to see us.
Du hast den Termin selbst abgesagt, weil du krank warst.
You canceled the appointment yourself because you were sick.