die Statur
build
The build and outward appearance of the human body, especially with regard to size and proportions.
EXAMPLE
Er war ein Mann von kräftiger Statur mit breiten Schultern.
He was a man of strong build with broad shoulders.
die Statur
stature / build
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Meanings
Usage tips
False friend
'Die Statur' (stature/build) describes only a person's physique. The English word 'stature' can also refer to body height, but it often also means a person's social standing or importance.
EXAMPLE
Der Täter wurde als Mann von kräftiger Statur beschrieben.
The perpetrator was described as a man of strong build.
Typical adjectives
'Statur' (build) is very often combined with adjectives that describe physique. Typical examples are 'kräftige' (strong), 'zierliche' (delicate/petite), 'kleine' (small), 'große' (large/tall), or 'imposante' (imposing) Statur.
EXAMPLE
Trotz ihrer zierlichen Statur ist sie eine erfolgreiche Gewichtheberin.
Despite her petite build, she is a successful weightlifter.
Common constructions
To describe a person's build, the fixed phrases 'eine ... Statur haben' (to have a ... build) or 'von ... Statur sein' (to be of ... build) are usually used.
EXAMPLE
Der Schauspieler hat eine athletische Statur.
The actor has an athletic build.
Compare with
Statur vs Figur
figure
Figur and Statur both describe the outward form of the human body. Figur tends to emphasize visible body shape or silhouette, while Statur focuses more on height, build, and proportions. When talking about shape, Figur is appropriate; for a person’s overall physical build, Statur is often the better choice.
Statur
Durch seine große und kräftige Statur fällt er in der Gruppe sofort auf.
His tall, sturdy build makes him stand out immediately in the group.
Figur
Nach mehreren Monaten Sport wirkt ihre Figur deutlich schlanker.
After several months of exercise, her figure looks noticeably slimmer.
In real life
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