German word

verkörpern

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈkœɐ̯pɐn/

Meaning

  • verbembody

Example

Die Künstlerin verkörpert in ihren Bildern Empathie.

In her paintings, the artist embodies empathy.

Illustration for verkörpern (embody)

More examples

Der Roman verkörpert eine Idee, die bis heute nachwirkt.

The artist embodies empathy in her paintings.

Core concept

A person or creation serves as the living or visible form of an idea or quality.

Common phrases

  • eine Idee verkörpern

    embody an idea

  • ein Ideal verkörpern

    embody an ideal

Similar words

darstellen: Present content or a scene through an image or explanation.
zeigen: Make something visible or clear to other people.
ausdrücken: Convey feelings or thoughts through words or actions.
repräsentieren: Represent a group or idea in an official role.

Definition in German

etwas Abstraktes durch eine Person, ein Werk oder ein Objekt sichtbar und konkret machen

Word origin

The verb derives from the noun Körper through the prefix ver- and describes making an abstract quality present in a concrete form.

Usage tips

  • Verkörpern is common in formal writing about art, literature, and public figures, while darstellen or zeigen is often more neutral in everyday speech.

Related words

  • Verkörperungembodimentnoun

Word lists with this word