perfection
Loading your saved state.
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.
completeness
'die Vollständigkeit' and 'die Vollkommenheit' both describe a state without something lacking, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Vollständigkeit' means that nothing is missing. Something can be complete even if it is not especially beautiful or perfect. 'Vollkommenheit' means that something is considered perfect and has no errors or weaknesses. The words can be confused because both sound positive. Memory aid: 'vollständig' means complete, 'vollkommen' means perfect.
Der Künstler sucht in jedem Bild nach Vollkommenheit, auch wenn das viel Zeit kostet.
The artist looks for perfection in every painting, even if it takes a lot of time.
Die Sekretärin achtet auf die Vollständigkeit der Liste, bevor sie sie ausdruckt.
The secretary checks the list for completeness before printing it out.