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.
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 represent / portray / constitute
'darstellen' and 'verewigen' can both have to do with images, texts, or works of art. 'darstellen' mainly says that something is shown, described, or depicted. 'verewigen' goes one step further: something or someone is meant to be captured so that people remember it later. The word often sounds more solemn or personal. A photo can depict a person, but if it preserves an important moment for a long time, you can say that it immortalizes that moment.
Mit dem Gruppenfoto verewigen wir den letzten Tag unseres Kurses.
With the group photo, we immortalize the last day of our course.
Das Wandbild stellt eine alte Szene aus dem Dorfleben dar.
The mural depicts an old scene from village life.