to portray
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to portray
To artistically depict a person through painting, drawing, photography, or sculpture. The result is a portrait.
Der berühmte Maler hat die Königin mehrfach porträtiert.
The famous painter portrayed the queen several times.
to portray
To characterize and describe a person, a group, or an era in a literary work, a film, or a report. In doing so, a particular image of them is created.
Der Dokumentarfilm porträtiert das Leben der Fischer an der Küste.
The documentary portrays the life of the fishermen on the coast.
The verb 'porträtieren' (to portray) is derived directly from the noun 'das Porträt' (the portrait). The ending '-ieren' often signals verbs that were borrowed from foreign languages.
Sie ließ sich von einem bekannten Künstler porträtieren.
She had herself portrayed by a well-known artist.
'Porträtieren' (to portray) is a transitive verb and always needs an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what does someone portray?
Der Autor porträtiert in seinem neuen Roman eine ganze Generation.
In his new novel, the author portrays an entire generation.
The construction 'jemanden/etwas als ... porträtieren' (to portray someone/something as ...) is used frequently. It describes the manner or perspective of the depiction.
Der Film porträtiert den Wissenschaftler als einsames Genie.
The film portrays the scientist as a lonely genius.
When it is about films, books, or reports, the figurative meaning 'to characterize' is meant. When it is about painting or photography, the literal, artistic depiction is meant.
Diese Biografie porträtiert die Schauspielerin von einer ganz neuen Seite.
This biography portrays the actress from a completely new angle.
to represent / portray / constitute
Both words can describe how a person is shown in a film, text, or picture. „Darstellen“ is general and can also mean simply showing or embodying someone, while „porträtieren“ deliberately characterizes a person or group. Use „darstellen“ for a neutral presentation and „porträtieren“ for a drawn or written personal portrait.
Die Reportage porträtiert die Ärztin als engagierte Helferin.
The report portrays the doctor as a dedicated helper.
Der Film stellt die Ärztin in ihrem Alltag dar.
The film shows the doctor in her everyday life.
