to embody / portray
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to embody
To perfectly represent or make visible an abstract idea, principle, or quality. Someone or something is the ideal example of it.
Diese Architektin verkörpert den modernen, minimalistischen Stil.
This architect embodies the modern, minimalist style.
The verb is derived from 'der Körper' (the body). 'Verkörpern' literally means to give a body to something abstract. This explains why it is used both for ideas and for acted roles.
Der Held der Geschichte verkörpert Mut und Gerechtigkeit.
The hero of the story embodies courage and justice.
'Verkörpern' is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Sie hat die Rolle der Königin eindrucksvoll verkörpert.
She portrayed the role of the queen impressively.
'Verkörpern' is a transitive verb and always requires an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what does someone embody or portray?
Der Schauspieler verkörpert einen verzweifelten Künstler.
The actor portrays a desperate artist.
You can tell whether an idea or a role is meant from the object. If it is an abstract concept like 'Mut' (courage) or 'Eleganz' (elegance), the first meaning is meant. If it is a 'Rolle' (role) or a 'Charakter' (character), the second meaning is meant.
Diese Sängerin verkörpert pure Lebensfreude.
This singer embodies pure joie de vivre.
to play
'spielen' and 'verkörpern' can both mean that an actor portrays a role. 'spielen' is the normal, general word for this. You can 'eine Rolle spielen' (play a role), 'eine Figur spielen' (play a character), or 'in einem Film spielen' (act in a film). 'verkörpern' sounds more precise and somewhat more elevated: it emphasizes that the person makes the role visible through their body, voice, and presence. In everyday language, people usually say 'spielen'. In texts about film or theater, 'verkörpern' often works well when the portrayal should be emphasized in particular.
Der Schauspieler verkörpert den alten König sehr überzeugend.
The actor portrays the old king very convincingly.
In der neuen Serie spielt sie eine junge Ärztin.
In the new series, she plays a young doctor.