to represent
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to represent
To officially represent someone or something; to act as an envoy or substitute.
Die Botschafterin repräsentiert ihr Land bei den Vereinten Nationen.
The ambassador represents her country at the United Nations.
'Repräsentieren' (to represent) is a transitive verb and almost always needs an accusative object. You ask: whom or what does someone/something represent?
Der Vorstandsvorsitzende repräsentiert das Unternehmen nach außen.
The CEO represents the company externally.
This verb belongs to formal language. You often find it in official, academic, or business texts and speeches.
Die Studie repräsentiert die Meinung von über tausend Befragten.
The study represents the opinion of over a thousand respondents.
Pay attention to the subject: when a person 'repräsentiert' (represents) something, official representation is often meant. When a thing 'repräsentiert' (represents) something, it is usually about symbolic meaning.
Der Anwalt repräsentiert seinen Klienten vor Gericht.
The lawyer represents his client in court.
Only in the meaning 'Status zur Schau stellen' (to show off status) can 'repräsentieren' (to represent) also be used without an object. The focus is then on the act of showing off or self-presentation itself.
Bei dem Staatsempfang ging es ihm nicht um Politik, er wollte nur repräsentieren.
At the state reception, he was not interested in politics; he only wanted to show off his status.
to stand
'für etwas stehen' and 'repräsentieren' can both mean that something is a sign or a typical example of something. 'für etwas stehen' often sounds simpler and is used in everyday language, politics, culture, or advertising. 'repräsentieren' sounds a little more formal and puts more emphasis on something representing or embodying something else. When talking about symbols, values, or typical examples, both can fit. In official or factual texts, 'repräsentieren' is often more precise.
Dieses Bild repräsentiert die Geschichte der Stadt.
This picture represents the history of the city.
Die weiße Taube steht in vielen Ländern für Frieden.
In many countries, the white dove stands for peace.