das Idol
idol
A person who is greatly admired and revered by others and often serves as a role model.
EXAMPLE
Für viele junge Musikerinnen ist sie ein großes Idol.
For many young female musicians, she is a great idol.
das Idol
idol
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Meanings
das Idol
idol
In religion, an image of a god or an object that is worshipped as a deity or as its representation.
EXAMPLE
In dem antiken Tempel wurden verschiedene Idole aus Stein und Holz angebetet.
In the ancient temple, various idols made of stone and wood were worshipped.
Usage tips
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If the sentence is about admiration, fans, sports, or art, it refers to a person. If it is about religion, history, temples, or worship, it refers to an image of a god.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Fußballspieler ist das Idol einer ganzen Generation.
This soccer player is the idol of an entire generation.
Correct preposition
When a person is a role model for someone else, the preposition 'für' (for) is used. The structure is: Jemand ist ein Idol für jemanden (Someone is an idol for someone).
EXAMPLE
Für meine kleine Schwester ist die Sängerin ein großes Idol.
For my little sister, the singer is a great idol.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'ein großes Idol' (a great idol), 'ein musikalisches Idol' (a musical idol), or 'zum Idol werden' (to become an idol). You can also say 'jemanden als Idol verehren' (to revere someone as an idol).
EXAMPLE
Durch seine Filme wurde er schnell zum Idol der Jugend.
Through his films, he quickly became the idol of young people.
Compare with
Idol vs Gott
god
“Der Gott” and “das Idol” can refer to a person who is greatly admired. “Das Idol” usually refers to an adored star or role model, while “der Gott” portrays the person as exceptional and almost impossible to surpass. Choose “Idol” when the focus is on the role-model aspect or star status.
Idol
Nach diesem Sieg bleibt der Torwart für viele junge Spieler ihr Idol.
After this victory, the goalkeeper remains an idol to many young players.
Gott
Nach diesem Sieg gilt der Torwart für viele Fans als Gott.
After this victory, many fans consider the goalkeeper a god.
In real life
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