die Vorstellung
idea
An image, idea, or thought that one forms in one's mind about something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe eine klare Vorstellung davon, wie mein Haus aussehen soll.
I have a clear idea of what my house should look like.
die Vorstellung
idea / performance / introduction
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Meanings
die Vorstellung
performance / showing
A performance or showing in a theater, cinema, or circus that takes place at a specific time.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorstellung beginnt um 20 Uhr.
The performance starts at 8 p.m.
die Vorstellung
introduction
The act in which one person is introduced to another person or to a group, often in a formal context such as a job interview.
EXAMPLE
Nach der kurzen Vorstellung der Kandidaten begann die Diskussion.
After the brief introduction of the candidates, the discussion began.
die Vorstellung
notion / belief
A fixed opinion, view, or belief, often in relation to moral or social values.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sehr altmodische Vorstellungen von der Rolle der Frau.
He has very old-fashioned notions about the role of women.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Vorstellung' is the noun form of the separable verb 'vorstellen' (to imagine/introduce/present). The basic idea is to 'place' something 'in front of' someone or oneself: an idea before the mind's eye, a person before a group, or a piece before an audience.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du dir das vorstellen?
Can you imagine that?
Fixed expression
In the meaning of 'Idee' (idea), the fixed expression 'eine Vorstellung von etwas (Dativ) haben' (to have an idea of something) is often used. It expresses whether one has a clear image or concept of something.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe noch keine genaue Vorstellung von meinem zukünftigen Beruf.
I don't yet have a precise idea of my future profession.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'Aufführung' (performance) from the context: words like 'Theater' (theater), 'Kino' (cinema), 'Karten' (tickets), 'Beginn' (start), 'Pause' (intermission), or 'ausverkauft' (sold out) clearly point to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Gehen wir heute Abend in die Spätvorstellung?
Shall we go to the late showing tonight?
In a professional context
The meaning 'sich vorstellen' (to introduce oneself) is central in a professional context. The noun 'die Vorstellung' (introduction) is at the core of the important word 'das Vorstellungsgespräch' (job interview).
EXAMPLE
Die erste Runde der Vorstellungen ist abgeschlossen.
The first round of introductions is complete.
Use in the plural
In the meaning of 'Meinung' (opinion) or 'Wert' (value), the word is very often used in the plural. One then speaks of a person's 'Vorstellungen' (notions/ideas), often in combination with adjectives such as 'moralisch' (moral), 'politisch' (political), or 'konservativ' (conservative).
EXAMPLE
Seine moralischen Vorstellungen sind sehr streng.
His moral beliefs are very strict.
Compare with
BildIdeeGedankeBegriffShowTheaterDarstellungKinoAuftrittErwartungAuffassungÜberzeugungPräsentationFantasieAufführungSchauspielKonzeptionPhantasieVorführungDarbietungRepräsentationEinbildungVisualisierungKopfkino
Vorstellung vs Bild
picture / image
Bild and Vorstellung can both refer to something that forms in the mind. Bild usually emphasizes a vivid, clearly developed mental representation. Vorstellung is more general and can also be a still vague or abstract idea. The desired vividness determines which word to choose.
Vorstellung
Vor dem Rundgang hatte Mia nur eine vage Vorstellung vom neuen Büro.
Before the tour, Mia had only a vague idea of the new office.
Bild
Nach dem Rundgang hatte Mia ein klares Bild vom neuen Büro.
After the tour, Mia had a clear picture of the new office.
In real life
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