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.
'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.
comparison / settlement
'der Vergleich' (comparison) and 'der Kontrast' (contrast) both have to do with looking at two things side by side. In a 'Vergleich', you look for similarities and differences. 'Kontrast' refers especially to a clear, strong difference. That is why you say 'im Vergleich zu' (compared with) when you are generally putting something in relation to something else. 'Kontrast' fits better when the difference stands out or is shown deliberately. The words can be confusing because a contrast often only becomes visible through a comparison. Remember: a comparison can show similarities and differences; a contrast is only the clear difference.
Der Kontrast zwischen dem ruhigen Dorf und der lauten Stadt ist groß.
The contrast between the quiet village and the noisy city is great.
Im Vergleich zu seinem alten Handy ist das neue viel schneller.
Compared with his old phone, the new one is much faster.