miniature
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miniature
A very small, often detailed replica or representation of something larger; a model in small format.
Im Museum gibt es eine beeindruckende Miniatur der gesamten Stadt aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.
In the museum, there is an impressive miniature of the entire city from the 18th century.
The word group 'in Miniatur' (in miniature) is used like an adjective and means 'in small format'. It usually comes after the noun it describes.
Er baut berühmte Schiffe in Miniatur nach.
He recreates famous ships in miniature.
The context reveals which meaning is intended. If it is about models or replicas, it is an object. In connection with art history, small portraits are often meant. In music or literature, it refers to short, artistic pieces.
Der Pianist spielte einige kurze Miniaturen von Chopin.
The pianist played several short miniatures by Chopin.
'Miniatur' (miniature) can also be used as the first part of a compound noun to show that something is a small version. It is then written with a hyphen or as one word.
Für die Reise habe ich nur eine Miniatur-Ausgabe des Romans mitgenommen.
For the trip, I only took a miniature edition of the novel with me.
model
'das Modell' and 'die Miniatur' can both show something larger in a smaller form. A 'Modell' can represent, for example, a building, a car, or a machine, and is often used for planning, explaining, or displaying something. A 'Miniatur' mainly emphasizes the very small size and often the fine details. The words can be confused because many miniatures are also models. If the function or plan is important, you are more likely to say 'Modell'. If the small, detailed form is the focus, 'Miniatur' fits better.
Im Regal steht eine Miniatur des Eiffelturms aus Metall.
There is a metal miniature of the Eiffel Tower on the shelf.
In der Schule zeigen wir ein Modell des neuen Stadtviertels.
At school, we show a model of the new city district.