embodiment / portrayal
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embodiment
A person or thing that perfectly represents or symbolizes an abstract quality, idea, or principle.
Für viele ist sie die Verkörperung von Eleganz und Stil.
For many people, she is the embodiment of elegance and style.
portrayal
The portrayal of a character or role by an actor in a play or film.
Seine Verkörperung des Königs Lear wurde von den Kritikern hoch gelobt.
His portrayal of King Lear was highly praised by critics.
The word consists of the prefix 'ver-', the noun 'Körper' (body), and the ending '-ung'. It describes the idea of giving an abstract thing (such as a quality or idea) a 'Körper' (body), that is, making it visible or tangible.
Er gilt als die Verkörperung des modernen Unternehmers.
He is considered the embodiment of the modern entrepreneur.
'Die Verkörperung' (the embodiment/portrayal) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'verkörpern' (to embody/portray). If a person embodies a quality, then they are the embodiment of that quality.
Diese Architektur verkörpert den Geist der 1920er Jahre.
This architecture embodies the spirit of the 1920s.
If the word refers to an actor and a role in theater or film, it means the acting portrayal. If it refers to a person or thing that perfectly symbolizes an abstract concept (e.g., goodness, evil), it has the symbolic meaning.
Seine Verkörperung des Bösewichts war erschreckend realistisch.
His portrayal of the villain was frighteningly realistic.
In the symbolic meaning, the quality or idea is often attached using the genitive or with 'von' + dative. For example, 'die Verkörperung des Mutes' (the embodiment of courage) or 'die Verkörperung von Stärke' (the embodiment of strength).
Die Freiheitsstatue ist die Verkörperung eines großen Ideals.
The Statue of Liberty is the embodiment of a great ideal.
presentation / portrayal
Both words can refer to an actor’s portrayal of a role. Darstellung refers generally to the interpretation of the role, while Verkörperung places greater emphasis on the actor bringing the character to life in a particularly immediate and convincing way. Use Darstellung neutrally, and Verkörperung when this heightened effect is being emphasized.
Ihre Verkörperung der Königin ließ die Figur für das Publikum lebendig wirken.
Her portrayal of the queen made the character seem alive to the audience.
Die Darstellung der Königin war ruhig und überzeugte durch ihre klare Interpretation.
The portrayal of the queen was calm and convincing because of its clear interpretation.
