das Vorbild
role model
A person whose behavior, achievements, or character are seen as exemplary and worth imitating.
EXAMPLE
Ihre ältere Schwester ist ihr großes Vorbild.
Her older sister is her great role model.
das Vorbild
role model / model
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Meanings
das Vorbild
model
A pattern, template, or example according to which something else is made, designed, or judged.
EXAMPLE
Die Verfassung der USA diente als Vorbild für viele andere Staaten.
The constitution of the United States served as a model for many other states.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'vor' (before/in front of) and 'Bild' (image/picture). Literally, it describes an 'image' that you keep 'before' your eyes in order to imitate it or use it as a standard.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein Vorbild an Fleiß und Disziplin.
He is a model of diligence and discipline.
Context clue: person or thing
If 'Vorbild' refers to a person, it usually means a role model. If it refers to a thing, concept, or system, it usually means a pattern or template.
EXAMPLE
Meine Mutter ist mein größtes Vorbild.
My mother is my greatest role model.
Use for people
When a person is a role model, the preposition 'für' (for) is often used ('ein Vorbild für jemanden sein', to be a role model for someone). An active action is described by the expression 'sich jemanden zum Vorbild nehmen' (to take someone as a role model).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Sportler nehmen sich die berühmte Tennisspielerin zum Vorbild.
Many young athletes take the famous tennis player as a role model.
Use for things
When a thing serves as a pattern, the phrase 'als Vorbild dienen für' (to serve as a model for) is often used. This is about a template or model that can be copied.
EXAMPLE
Dieses erfolgreiche Projekt dient als Vorbild für zukünftige Initiativen.
This successful project serves as a model for future initiatives.
Compare with
Vorbild vs Beispiel
example
When referring to a person whose behavior is worth imitating, both Beispiel and Vorbild can fit. Vorbild directly describes the person as a role model; Beispiel focuses more on their behavior or its effect and is often used in phrases such as „ein Beispiel geben“ (to set an example). For the person themselves, Vorbild is usually clearer.
Vorbild
Die Trainerin ist wegen ihrer Fairness ein Vorbild für die Jugendlichen.
The coach is a role model for the young people because of her fairness.
Beispiel
Die Trainerin gibt den Jugendlichen durch ihre Fairness ein gutes Beispiel.
Through her fairness, the coach sets a good example for the young people.
In real life
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