epitome
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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.
symbol
Both words refer to a person or thing that shows a quality particularly clearly. Inbegriff emphasizes the most perfect expression of a quality, while Sinnbild is primarily a symbol of an idea or a state. Use Inbegriff for the ideal extreme and Sinnbild for a vivid symbolic representation.
Für viele ist dieser ruhige Bergort der Inbegriff von Erholung.
For many people, this peaceful mountain town is the epitome of relaxation.
Die weiße Taube gilt als Sinnbild des Friedens.
The white dove is considered a symbol of peace.
