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.
to portray
As an actor or performer, to play and represent a particular role in a play, film, or series.
In seinem neuesten Film verkörpert er einen historischen Helden.
In his latest film, he portrays a historical hero.
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
Both spielen and verkörpern can refer to portraying an acting role. Spielen neutrally describes someone portraying a role; verkörpern places more emphasis on the portrayal making the character especially vivid and convincing. Use spielen for a standard statement about a role, and verkörpern when explicitly praising the portrayal.
Die junge Schauspielerin verkörpert die Hauptfigur im neuen Film sehr überzeugend.
The young actress portrays the main character in the new film very convincingly.
Die junge Schauspielerin spielt im neuen Film die Hauptrolle.
The young actress plays the lead role in the new film.
