das Porträt
portrait
An artistic representation of a person, especially the face, for example as a painting, photograph, or drawing.
EXAMPLE
Im Museum hängt ein berühmtes Porträt von Rembrandt.
A famous portrait by Rembrandt hangs in the museum.
das Porträt
portrait
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Meanings
das Porträt
profile / portrait
A descriptive representation of a person, their character, or their life story in a text, film, or radio program.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung veröffentlichte ein Porträt der neuen Bürgermeisterin.
The newspaper published a profile of the new mayor.
Usage tips
Related verb
The verb 'porträtieren' (to portray) is derived from the noun 'das Porträt' (portrait). It means to represent a person through art or through a description.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler porträtierte die ganze Familie.
The artist portrayed the whole family.
Art vs. media
A 'Porträt' (portrait) can be a picture (painting, photo) or a text or film. The context reveals the meaning: if it is about art and painting, a picture is meant. If it is about newspapers or television, a description is meant.
EXAMPLE
In der Galerie sind mehrere Porträts aus dem 19. Jahrhundert ausgestellt.
Several portraits from the 19th century are on display in the gallery.
Typical verbs
When it is about an artistic portrait, the verbs 'malen' (to paint), 'zeichnen' (to draw), or 'fotografieren' (to photograph) are often used. You can also 'ein Porträt in Auftrag geben' (commission a portrait), meaning pay someone to do it.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein Porträt von ihrem Hund malen lassen.
She had a portrait of her dog painted.
Word formation: self-portrait
A portrait that an artist makes of themselves is called 'das Selbstporträt' (self-portrait). It is an important form in art history.
EXAMPLE
Die Selbstporträts von Frida Kahlo sind weltberühmt.
Frida Kahlo's self-portraits are world-famous.
Compare with
Porträt vs Profil
profile
When referring to a person, a Profil usually highlights selected characteristic features and background. A Porträt presents the person in a more detailed and developed overall description. For a focused presentation of her main areas of focus, Profil is the right term; for a comprehensive presentation, Porträt is.
Porträt
Die Zeitung veröffentlichte ein Porträt der Ministerin mit ihrem Lebensweg und persönlichen Erinnerungen.
The newspaper published a portrait of the minister covering her life story and personal memories.
Profil
Die Zeitung veröffentlichte ein Profil der Ministerin mit ihren politischen Schwerpunkten.
The newspaper published a profile of the minister covering her main political areas of focus.
In real life
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