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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 Bau
construction / building
'der Bau' and 'die Statur' can both describe how a body is built outwardly. In this meaning, 'der Bau' is often used in fixed expressions such as 'von kräftigem Bau' (of strong build), or when talking about animals and people. 'die Statur' refers especially to the human body, meaning size, physique, and proportions. 'Statur' sounds a bit more precise when describing a person's outward appearance. 'Bau' is more general and can also be natural for animals or as part of a fixed description.
Statur
Trotz seiner kleinen Statur bewegt sich der Turner sehr sicher.
Despite his small stature, the gymnast moves with great confidence.
Bau
Der Hund hat einen kräftigen Bau und wirkt sehr stark.
The dog has a strong build and looks very powerful.
In real life
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