perfection
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perfection
The state in which something or someone has no errors, flaws, or weaknesses and is considered perfect.
Der Künstler strebte in seinem Werk nach absoluter Vollkommenheit.
The artist strove for absolute perfection in his work.
The word is formed from the adjective 'vollkommen' (perfect/complete) and the ending '-heit' (-ness/-hood). The ending '-heit' is often used to turn adjectives into abstract feminine nouns that describe a state or quality.
Die Schönheit der Natur erschien ihm wie die reinste Vollkommenheit.
The beauty of nature seemed to him like pure perfection.
'Vollkommenheit' (perfection) is often used with verbs that express striving for or achieving something. Typical phrases are 'nach Vollkommenheit streben' (to strive for perfection), 'etwas zur Vollkommenheit bringen' (to bring something to perfection), or 'an die Vollkommenheit grenzen' (to border on perfection).
Der Pianist hat seine Technik über Jahre hinweg zur Vollkommenheit gebracht.
The pianist brought his technique to perfection over many years.
This word belongs to an elevated, rather formal style. It is often found in texts about art, philosophy, religion, or in literature, but rarely in everyday colloquial language.
In vielen Religionen wird Gott als die Verkörperung der Vollkommenheit angesehen.
In many religions, God is regarded as the embodiment of perfection.
completion / perfection
Vollendung and Vollkommenheit can both describe a state without noticeable flaws. Vollkommenheit focuses on flawlessness, whereas Vollendung can also highlight the achieved and completed form of a work. Use Vollkommenheit for the ideal state, and Vollendung when the development leading to it is also implied.
Nach vielen Überarbeitungen bewunderte die Künstlerin die Vollkommenheit ihres Bildes.
After many revisions, the artist admired the perfection of her painting.
Nach vielen Überarbeitungen sah die Künstlerin in ihrem Bild die Vollendung erreicht.
After many revisions, the artist felt that her painting had reached perfection.
