caricature
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caricature
A drawing or representation that exaggerates the characteristic features of a person or situation for comic or critical purposes.
Die Zeitung druckte eine treffende Karikatur des Politikers.
The newspaper printed an apt caricature of the politician.
'Die Karikatur' (the caricature) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'karikieren' (to caricature). Someone who 'karikiert' (caricatures) something presents it in an exaggerated and often mocking way.
Der Zeichner ist bekannt dafür, dass er gerne Prominente karikiert.
The illustrator is known for liking to caricature celebrities.
To express who or what is being represented, you use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative. This applies to both meanings of the word.
Er hat eine Karikatur von seinem Chef gezeichnet.
He drew a caricature of his boss.
In the meaning 'Zeichnung' (drawing), the word is often combined with verbs such as 'zeichnen' (to draw), 'anfertigen' (to produce), or 'veröffentlichen' (to publish). Typical adjectives are 'politisch' (political) or 'satirisch' (satirical).
Die Zeitung veröffentlichte eine satirische Karikatur zur aktuellen Debatte.
The newspaper published a satirical caricature about the current debate.
The figurative meaning is often used to criticize a bad or ridiculous imitation. It frequently occurs with the verb 'sein' (to be) and has a strongly negative undertone.
Die Verfilmung war nur eine Karikatur der Romanvorlage.
The film adaptation was only a caricature of the original novel.
comic
'der Comic' and 'die Karikatur' are both drawn representations and can be funny. The important difference lies in their structure and purpose. A comic usually tells a story in several pictures, often with speech bubbles. A caricature is usually a single image that shows a person or topic in an exaggerated way, often critically or mockingly. The words can be confused because both can appear in newspapers or magazines. When an action or plot is told across several pictures, 'Comic' fits better. When a drawing exaggerates and criticizes someone, 'Karikatur' is more precise.
Die Karikatur in der Zeitung zeigt den Politiker mit einer riesigen Nase.
The caricature in the newspaper shows the politician with a huge nose.
Im Zug liest Max einen Comic über einen jungen Detektiv.
On the train, Max reads a comic about a young detective.