to immortalize
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to immortalize
To make someone or something unforgettable by capturing it, for example in a work of art, a photo, or a text.
Der Maler verewigte die Landschaft in einem beeindruckenden Ölgemälde.
The painter immortalized the landscape in an impressive oil painting.
to leave one's mark
To leave one's name or a message in a place, often in an informal or joking way, such as in a guestbook or as graffiti.
Die Absolventen haben sich auf der Wand der Aula mit ihren Unterschriften verewigt.
The graduates left their mark on the wall of the auditorium with their signatures.
The verb 'verewigen' (to immortalize) is derived from the adjective 'ewig' (eternal). The inseparable prefix 'ver-' here has the function of putting something into a state — that is, making something 'eternal'.
Der Künstler wollte diesen besonderen Moment auf der Leinwand verewigen.
The artist wanted to immortalize this special moment on canvas.
This verb can be used reflexively or non-reflexively, which changes the meaning. 'Etwas verewigen' (to immortalize something) means to preserve it for posterity. 'Sich verewigen' (to leave one's mark) means to leave one's own name or a trace behind.
Der Dichter verewigte seine Liebe in einem Gedicht.
The poet immortalized his love in a poem.
When something is made unforgettable, it is often immortalized 'in einem Buch' (in a book), 'auf einem Foto' (in a photo), or 'in einem Film' (in a film). The prepositions 'in' and 'auf' are typical here.
Diese historische Rede wurde in zahlreichen Büchern verewigt.
This historic speech was immortalized in numerous books.
The reflexive form 'sich verewigen' (to leave one's mark) is often used somewhat ironically or jokingly, especially when someone leaves their name somewhere without permission, for example as graffiti.
Ein Unbekannter hat sich mit Farbe an der Hauswand verewigt.
An unknown person left their mark in paint on the house wall.
to leave / bequeath
Hinterlassen and sich verewigen can both refer to leaving a lasting trace or message in a place. Hinterlassen focuses mainly on the trace itself, while sich verewigen puts more emphasis on the person as the creator of a lasting trace. Choose hinterlassen for the message or trace, and sich verewigen for the desire to remain in people's memories.
Der Besucher verewigte sich mit seinem Namen und einer kurzen Nachricht im Gästebuch.
The visitor left his mark in the guest book with his name and a short message.
Die Besucher hinterließen ihre Namen und eine kurze Nachricht im Gästebuch.
The visitors left their names and a short message in the guest book.
