contrast
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contrast
A clearly recognizable difference between two or more things, people, or states that are being compared.
Der Kontrast zwischen dem Leben in der Stadt und auf dem Land ist enorm.
The contrast between life in the city and life in the countryside is enormous.
contrast
In photography, art, and optics, the difference in brightness or color between the lightest and darkest areas of an image.
Ich muss den Kontrast am Bildschirm erhöhen, um den Text besser lesen zu können.
I need to increase the contrast on the screen so I can read the text better.
'Kontrast' (contrast) is very frequently used with fixed prepositions. The phrase 'im Kontrast zu' (in contrast to, + dative) or the structure 'der Kontrast zwischen' (the contrast between, + dative) are important for expressing comparisons.
Seine Taten stehen in starkem Kontrast zu seinen Worten.
His actions stand in stark contrast to his words.
To describe the strength of the difference, 'Kontrast' (contrast) is often combined with adjectives such as 'stark' (strong), 'groß' (great/large), 'deutlich' (clear), or, colloquially, 'krass' (stark/extreme).
Es gibt einen großen Kontrast zwischen dem, was er sagt, und dem, was er tut.
There is a great contrast between what he says and what he does.
You can recognize this meaning from the context. When it is about screens, photos, televisions, or art, and words such as 'Helligkeit' (brightness), 'Farbe' (color), or 'Bild' (image/picture) appear, the technical contrast is meant.
Kannst du den Kontrast am Monitor einstellen? Ich sehe kaum etwas.
Can you adjust the contrast on the monitor? I can hardly see anything.
difference
Unterschied neutrally refers to any noticeable difference between things or people. Kontrast is also a difference, but it emphasizes the striking effect of comparing the two. Use Unterschied for any deviation and Kontrast when the difference is especially noticeable.
Der Kontrast zwischen der schwarzen Jacke und dem weißen Kleid fällt sofort auf.
The contrast between the black jacket and the white dress is immediately noticeable.
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Jacken ist nur die Farbe.
The only difference between the two jackets is the color.
