constitution / condition
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constitution
The legal and political fundamental law of a state, which defines the form of government, the rights and duties of citizens, and the organization of state authority.
Die Meinungsfreiheit ist in der Verfassung garantiert.
Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitution.
condition / state
The physical or mental state of a person; their general condition or well-being.
Nach dem langen Lauf war er nicht in bester Verfassung.
After the long run, he was not in the best condition.
composition / writing
An outdated or very formal term for the act of writing or creating a text.
Die Verfassung dieses Briefes hat mehrere Stunden gedauert.
The composition of this letter took several hours.
'Die Verfassung' (constitution/condition) is derived from the verb 'verfassen' (to write or compose a text). This explains its meaning as the written fundamental law of a state.
Der Autor verfasste den Roman in nur sechs Monaten.
The author wrote the novel in only six months.
The two main meanings can be distinguished well from context. In a political and legal context (state, law, citizens), it means 'constitution'. In a personal context (physical, mental, feeling), it means 'condition' or 'state'.
Das Recht auf freie Meinungsäußerung steht in der Verfassung.
The right to freedom of expression is in the constitution.
In the meaning 'Zustand' (condition/state), 'Verfassung' is almost always used with the preposition 'in' and an adjective. Typical phrases are 'in guter/schlechter Verfassung sein' (to be in good/bad condition) or 'nicht in der Verfassung sein, etwas zu tun' (not to be in a state to do something).
Er war in so schlechter Verfassung, dass er nicht arbeiten konnte.
He was in such poor condition that he couldn't work.
The meaning 'act of writing' is very rare today and is considered outdated or extremely formal. It is found almost only in very elevated written language.
Die Verfassung eines so komplexen Dokuments erfordert viel Zeit.
The composition of such a complex document requires a lot of time.
form / shape
For athletes, both die Form and die Verfassung can describe their current condition. die Form typically emphasizes their current level of performance, while die Verfassung refers more generally to their physical or mental state and personal well-being.
Die Verfassung des Spielers ist nach der Krankheit wieder gut, denn er fühlt sich kräftig.
The player's condition is good again after the illness because he feels strong.
Die Form des Spielers ist ausgezeichnet, denn er trifft in jedem Spiel.
The player's form is excellent because he scores in every game.
