epitome
Loading your saved state.
epitome
The perfect embodiment or ideal example of a particular quality, concept, or thing. Usually used in the expression 'der Inbegriff von etwas sein' (to be the epitome of something).
Für viele Menschen ist dieses Luxushotel der Inbegriff von Komfort.
For many people, this luxury hotel is the epitome of comfort.
The word is made up of 'in' and 'Begriff' (concept/term). It therefore describes what is contained in a term or concept—the essence or the perfect example of it.
Diese Architektur ist der Inbegriff der Moderne.
This architecture is the epitome of modernity.
'Der Inbegriff' (the epitome) is almost always used in the fixed expression 'der Inbegriff von etwas sein' (to be the epitome of something). The noun after 'von' is in the dative.
Für mich ist dieses kleine Café der Inbegriff von Gemütlichkeit.
For me, this little café is the epitome of coziness.
After 'der Inbegriff von' (the epitome of), there is usually an abstract noun that describes a quality or concept. These can be positive or negative qualities.
Seine ruhige Art ist der Inbegriff von Gelassenheit.
His calm manner is the epitome of composure.
term
'der Begriff' and 'der Inbegriff' look similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'der Begriff' is a word or phrase for a particular idea or thing. 'der Inbegriff', on the other hand, means the perfect example of something. People often say 'der Inbegriff von ...' (the epitome of ...). The risk of confusion arises because both words have to do with ideas or concepts and sound similar. In practical terms: a 'Begriff' names something; an 'Inbegriff' embodies something especially well.
Für viele Gäste ist ein freier Sonntag der Inbegriff von Erholung.
For many guests, a free Sunday is the epitome of relaxation.
Im Text versteht Jan den Begriff „Miete“ nicht sofort.
In the text, Jan does not immediately understand the term “rent.”