German word

charakterisieren

Pronunciation

IPA/kaʁakteʁiˈziːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbcharacterize

Example

Die Jury charakterisierte das Werk als originell.

The jury characterized the work as original.

Illustration for charakterisieren (characterize)

More examples

Man kann einen Stil durch bestimmte Merkmale charakterisieren.

One can characterize a style by certain features.

Core concept

A recognizable profile emerges as defining traits are assigned to a person, work, or thing.

Common phrases

  • jemanden als ... charakterisieren

    characterize someone as ___

  • etwas durch Merkmale charakterisieren

    characterize something by features

  • als typisch charakterisieren

    characterize ___ as typical

Similar words

beschreiben: To convey an object's appearance or qualities in an orderly verbal account.
bezeichnen: To identify something by giving it a particular name or term.
kennzeichnen: To show distinctive marks or qualities that make something recognizable.
darstellen: To present facts or a person's nature through words or visual form.

Definition in German

Einer Person oder Sache bestimmte, typisch empfundene Merkmale zuschreiben und damit ihr Bild oder ihren Typus festlegen; meist transitiv verwendet.

Word origin

German charakterisieren combines Charakter with the verb-forming suffix -isieren, while Charakter traces through Latin to Greek kharakter, an impressed mark.

Usage tips

  • Charakterisieren often sounds more analytical or formal than the broader everyday verb beschreiben.

Other meanings

  • describeverb
  • portrayverb

Opposites

  • verschleiernconcealverb
  • verallgemeinerngeneralizeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word