01
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
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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
'das Beispiel' and 'das Vorbild' can both be something that you use as a guide. 'das Beispiel' is more general: it can explain something, but it can also show good or bad behavior. 'das Vorbild' has a more strongly positive meaning. It describes a person, behavior, or model that you want to imitate. The words can be confused because you can learn from a good example. But if you admire how someone acts and want to act that way yourself, 'Vorbild' is more precise.
Vorbild
Frau Schneider ist für viele junge Sportlerinnen ein Vorbild.
Ms. Schneider is a role model for many young female athletes.
Beispiel
Der Lehrer gibt ein Beispiel für höfliches Verhalten im Team.
The teacher gives an example of polite behavior in a team.
In real life
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