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 emphasize that one particular person is acting and that no representative is involved. Höchstpersönlich strengthens this statement and often highlights the person's special importance or the unexpectedness of their involvement. Use selbst for ordinary emphasis and höchstpersönlich for especially strong emphasis.
Der Chef beantwortete die Fragen der Mitarbeitenden höchstpersönlich.
The boss answered the employees' questions in person.
Der Chef selbst beantwortete die Fragen der Mitarbeitenden.
The boss himself answered the employees' questions.
