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B1 noun #3,500 mais comum 9 min de leitura

Vorbild

Top 3,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas Vorbild em 30 segundos

Explicação Vorbild in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Vorbild' means someone you like and want to be like. You might use it in very simple sentences about your family or a famous person. For example: 'Mein Vater ist mein Vorbild.' (My father is my role model). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is 'das Vorbild' (neuter). You can think of it as a 'hero' or a 'person I like'. In school, children learn this word early when talking about their parents or superheroes. It's a positive word. If you say someone is a 'Vorbild', you are saying they are good. At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning and the fact that it is a person who does good things that you want to do too.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'Vorbild' in slightly more descriptive sentences. You can talk about why someone is a role model. 'Sie ist mein Vorbild, weil sie sehr fleißig ist.' (She is my role model because she is very hardworking). You also learn the adjective 'vorbildlich' (exemplary). You might hear a teacher say: 'Dein Hausaufgabe ist vorbildlich.' (Your homework is exemplary). You are becoming familiar with the idea that a 'Vorbild' provides a standard for behavior. You might also encounter the plural 'Vorbilder'. It's common to talk about 'Vorbilder in der Familie' (role models in the family). You should also notice that 'Vorbild' is always neuter, even if the person is a woman. This is a common point of confusion for A2 learners, but it's important to get it right: 'Meine Mutter ist EIN Vorbild' (not EINE).

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'Vorbild' in various contexts, including work and society. You should know the common phrase 'sich jemanden zum Vorbild nehmen' (to take someone as a role model). This is a bit more complex because it uses a reflexive pronoun and the preposition 'zu'. For example: 'Ich nehme mir meinen Chef zum Vorbild.' (I take my boss as a role model). You also start to understand the concept of 'Vorbildfunktion' (the role model function). This is important when talking about celebrities or politicians in the media. You can participate in discussions about whether athletes should be role models for children. You understand that 'Vorbild' is different from 'Beispiel'; a 'Vorbild' is specifically about character and imitation of virtues, while 'Beispiel' is more general.

At the B2 level, your use of 'Vorbild' should be nuanced and grammatically precise. You can discuss the social and psychological implications of role models. You might use the word in more abstract ways, such as 'nach dem Vorbild von' (following the model of) when talking about systems, architecture, or historical events. For instance: 'Die Verfassung wurde nach dem Vorbild der US-Verfassung geschrieben.' (The constitution was written following the model of the US constitution). You also recognize that 'Vorbild' can be used ironically or critically in debates about the 'Erosion von Vorbildern' (the erosion of role models) in modern society. You are comfortable using the dative case with 'jemandem ein Vorbild sein' and can explain the ethical responsibilities associated with having a 'Vorbildfunktion' in a professional environment.

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At the C1 level, you use 'Vorbild' with sophistication in academic or high-level professional settings. You can analyze the 'Vorbildcharakter' (exemplary character) of a literary figure or a historical movement. You understand the subtle differences between 'Vorbild', 'Leitbild', 'Idol', and 'Archetyp'. You might discuss how 'Vorbilder' are constructed by the media and the impact this has on societal values. Your sentences are complex: 'Die Vorbildhaftigkeit seines moralischen Handelns steht außer Frage, doch bleibt die praktische Umsetzbarkeit in der heutigen Zeit umstritten.' (The exemplary nature of his moral actions is beyond question, yet its practical feasibility in today's times remains controversial). You use the word to describe not just people, but also complex organizational structures or philosophical ideals that serve as a 'Leitstern' (guiding star) for others.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'Vorbild' and its place in the German linguistic and cultural landscape. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the necessity of role models in a post-modern, individualistic society. You might explore the 'Dialektik des Vorbilds' (the dialectic of the role model)—how the act of following a model can both inspire and limit personal growth. You use rare compounds and idiomatic expressions effortlessly. You can write eloquent essays on the 'Vorbildfunktion des Staates' (the role model function of the state) in ethical matters like climate change. You understand historical references where 'Vorbild' was used in propaganda and can navigate those sensitivities. Your vocabulary includes related concepts like 'Mustergültigkeit' (perfection/exemplariness) and 'nachahmenswert' (worthy of imitation), used with perfect precision in various registers.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

Vorbild em 30 segundos

Vorbild means role model or exemplary person.
It is a neuter noun: das Vorbild, die Vorbilder.
Commonly used with 'sich zum Vorbild nehmen'.
Positive connotation, unlike the general word 'Beispiel'.

The German word Vorbild is a powerful and deeply rooted noun that translates most directly to role model or example in English. Etymologically, it is a compound of vor (before/in front of) and Bild (image/picture). Conceptually, it represents an 'image' or 'ideal' that stands 'before' you, serving as a guide for your own behavior, character, or professional development. Unlike the English word 'example', which can be neutral or even negative (e.g., 'a bad example'), Vorbild in German carries an inherently positive connotation. It is someone you look up to, someone whose virtues you wish to emulate.

The Psychological Anchor: In German discourse, having a Vorbild is seen as a crucial part of identity formation. From a young age, children are encouraged to find positive Vorbilder in their parents, teachers, or historical figures. It isn't just about liking someone; it's about the conscious decision to follow their path.
Societal Expectations: The term is frequently used in politics and sports. When a professional athlete misbehaves, the German media often discusses their Vorbildfunktion (role model function). This suggests that their position in society comes with an inherent responsibility to act as a positive example for others, especially the youth.

"Meine Großmutter war immer mein größtes Vorbild, weil sie trotz aller Schwierigkeiten nie ihren Humor verloren hat."
— A common way to express personal admiration

In professional settings, a mentor is often a Vorbild. You might say, "Er ist ein Vorbild an Fleiß und Disziplin" (He is a model of diligence and discipline). Here, the word describes a person who embodies a specific virtue to such a high degree that they become the standard for others. It is less about the person's status and more about their actions and character traits. In modern contexts, you will also hear it in discussions about gender equality, where weibliche Vorbilder (female role models) are emphasized in STEM fields to encourage young women.

"Sportler haben eine wichtige Vorbildfunktion für Kinder."

Cultural Context: In Germany, the concept of the 'vorbildliche Bürger' (exemplary citizen) has historical weight. It implies following rules not just out of fear of punishment, but because one understands the value of social order and wishes to lead by example.

When you use Vorbild, you are often making a moral or qualitative judgment. To call someone a Vorbild is one of the highest compliments in German culture because it signifies that the person's essence is worth replicating. It transcends mere popularity; an 'Idol' might be popular, but a Vorbild is respected for their integrity and achievements.

Using Vorbild correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (neuter: das Vorbild) and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. The most common construction is jemandem ein Vorbild sein (to be a role model to someone) or sich jemanden zum Vorbild nehmen (to take someone as a role model).

The Dative Connection: When you say someone is a role model *to* someone else, you use the dative case for the person looking up. For example: "Der Lehrer ist den Schülern ein Vorbild." This highlights the relationship between the leader and the follower.

"Sie nimmt sich ihre ältere Schwester zum Vorbild."
— Meaning: She takes her older sister as a role model.

Another frequent usage is the adjective vorbildlich, which means 'exemplary'. You can describe behavior, a project, or a person as vorbildlich. For instance, "Sein Einsatz für die Umwelt ist vorbildlich" (His commitment to the environment is exemplary). This adjective is very common in performance reviews or letters of recommendation in a German-speaking workplace.

Compound Words: German loves compounds. You will often see Vorbildfunktion (role model function), Vorbildcharakter (exemplary character), or Vorbildwirkung (exemplary effect). These are used to discuss the influence someone has on others.

"Wir brauchen mehr positive Vorbilder in der Politik."

In academic or formal writing, you might encounter nach dem Vorbild von... (after the model of / following the example of...). This is used when describing a system, a building, or a law that was inspired by an existing one. "Das neue Gesetz wurde nach dem Vorbild des dänischen Systems gestaltet." This shows that the concept of Vorbild extends beyond people to abstract concepts and structures.

The word Vorbild is ubiquitous in German life, appearing in contexts ranging from intimate family conversations to national political debates. If you are living in a German-speaking country, you will hear it most frequently in the following environments:

In Schools and Education: Teachers often talk about being a Vorbild for their students. In parent-teacher conferences, a teacher might say, "Es ist wichtig, dass Sie zu Hause ein gutes Vorbild sind." This emphasizes the pedagogical role of adults in shaping children's values.
In the Media and Sports: Sports commentators frequently use the term. When a player like Manuel Neuer or Thomas Müller behaves well on and off the pitch, they are praised as Vorbilder. Conversely, if a celebrity is caught in a scandal, headlines often read: "Hat er seine Vorbildfunktion vergessen?" (Has he forgotten his role model function?)

"In Krisenzeiten blicken die Menschen auf Führungspersönlichkeiten als Vorbilder."

You will also hear it in the workplace. A manager might be told they need to act as a Vorbild regarding work-life balance or punctuality. In this context, it's about setting the 'tone at the top'. If the boss stays late every night, they are a Vorbild for a culture of overwork, even if they don't mean to be.

"Diese Firma gilt als Vorbild für nachhaltiges Wirtschaften."

Lastly, in political speeches, Vorbild is used to invoke national pride or to set goals. A politician might say, "Deutschland muss ein Vorbild beim Klimaschutz sein." This positions the country as a leader that others should follow. It is a word of aspiration and ethical standing.

Even though Vorbild seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific usage patterns and its distinction from similar words. Here are the most frequent errors to avoid:

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Vorbild' with 'Beispiel': In English, 'example' covers both a person you admire and a case that proves a rule. In German, these are strictly separated. Incorrect: "Er ist ein gutes Beispiel für mich." (Sounds like he is a specimen of a human). Correct: "Er ist ein gutes Vorbild für mich." Use Beispiel for things like "ein Beispiel für diese Regel" (an example for this rule).
Mistake 2: Incorrect Prepositions: Learners often try to translate 'take as a role model' literally. Incorrect: "Ich nehme ihn als ein Vorbild." Correct: "Ich nehme ihn mir zum Vorbild." The structure sich (Dativ) jemanden (Akkusativ) zum Vorbild nehmen is a fixed idiomatic block.

"Man sollte nicht alles blind nachahmen, auch wenn jemand ein Vorbild ist."

Another mistake involves the plural. Remember it is die Vorbilder. Some learners try to use 'Vorbilden' in the nominative plural, which is incorrect. Only use 'Vorbildern' in the dative plural (e.g., "Wir folgen unseren Vorbildern").

"Ein falsches Vorbild kann junge Menschen in die Irre führen."

Finally, watch out for the verb dienen. If you want to say something serves as a model, use als Vorbild dienen. "Dieses Projekt dient als Vorbild für zukünftige Entwicklungen." Using 'wie' (like) here is a common anglicism that sounds unnatural in German.

While Vorbild is the most common term, several other German words occupy nearby semantic space. Understanding the differences between them will significantly elevate your German register.

Vorbild vs. Idol: An Idol is someone you worship or admire, often from a distance (like a pop star). You might not necessarily want to *be* like them in every way; you just admire their talent. A Vorbild is more practical—it's someone whose life or character you actively try to emulate.
Vorbild vs. Leitbild: A Leitbild is usually more abstract or institutional. Companies have a Leitbild (mission statement/vision). It’s a guiding principle or a collective ideal. Vorbild is almost always individual and personal.
Vorbild vs. Muster: Muster means 'pattern' or 'sample'. While you can have a Musterschüler (model student), Muster is generally used for technical or repetitive designs. Vorbild implies a moral or human quality that Muster lacks.

"Er ist kein bloßes Idol, sondern ein echtes Vorbild für die nächste Generation."

In some contexts, you might use Inspiration. However, Inspiration is the feeling you get, while Vorbild is the person who provides it. If you want to sound very formal or literary, you could use Ebenbild (image/likeness), though this usually refers to looking exactly like someone else (e.g., "Das Kind ist das Ebenbild seines Vaters").

"Die Natur dient oft als Vorbild für technische Innovationen (Bionik)."

Finally, consider Wegweiser (signpost). While a Vorbild is a person, a Wegweiser can be an event or a piece of advice that shows you the way. Using these synonyms correctly shows that you understand the nuances of German expression beyond simple translation.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In the 18th century, the word became much more popular during the Enlightenment as people began to discuss secular ethics and the importance of 'human' role models rather than just religious ones.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈfoːɐ̯ˌbɪlt/

US /ˈfɔɹˌbɪlt/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: VOR-bild.

Rima com

Abbild (replica) Sinnbild (symbol) Wortbild (word image) Leitbild (vision) Zerrbild (caricature) Feindbild (image of the enemy) Trugbild (illusion) Wunschbild (ideal image)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'V' like a 'V' in 'vase' (it should be 'F').
Softening the final 'd' (it must sound like a 't').
Stress on the second syllable (BILD), which is incorrect.
Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'ee' (it should be short as in 'bit').
Merging the two syllables into one.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts. Common in newspapers.

Escrita 4/5

Tricky prepositional phrases like 'sich zum Vorbild nehmen'.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'V' as 'F' and final 'd' as 't' is key.

Audição 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick up in speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Bild vor Beispiel Person gut

Aprenda a seguir

nacheifern nachahmen vorbildlich Leitbild Idol

Avançado

Mustergültigkeit Archetyp Exemplarisch Pionier Wegbereiter

Gramática essencial

Auslautverhärtung

The 'd' in 'Vorbild' sounds like 't' because it's at the end of the word.

Compound Nouns

Vorbild + Funktion = Vorbildfunktion. The gender is determined by the last noun (die Funktion).

Dative after 'sein'

In 'jemandem ein Vorbild sein', the person looking up is in the dative.

Reflexive Verbs with Dative

In 'sich jemanden zum Vorbild nehmen', 'sich' is in the dative case.

Neuter Gender Consistency

Regardless of the person's biological gender, 'Vorbild' remains 'das'.

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Exemplos por nível

Mein Vater ist mein Vorbild.

My father is my role model.

Vorbild is neuter: *mein* Vorbild.

Hast du ein Vorbild?

Do you have a role model?

Direct object in the accusative case.

Sie ist ein gutes Vorbild.

She is a good role model.

Even if the person is female, the noun remains neuter (ein Vorbild).

Superhelden sind Vorbilder für Kinder.

Superheroes are role models for children.

Plural form: Vorbilder.

Wer ist dein Vorbild?

Who is your role model?

Subject question with 'wer'.

Er will ein Vorbild sein.

He wants to be a role model.

Verb 'sein' takes the nominative.

Meine Mutter ist mein großes Vorbild.

My mother is my great role model.

Adjective 'großes' matches the neuter gender.

Wir brauchen Vorbilder.

We need role models.

Plural accusative.

Meine Schwester ist mir ein Vorbild.

My sister is a role model to me.

Uses dative 'mir' to show the relationship.

Sein Verhalten war wirklich vorbildlich.

His behavior was truly exemplary.

Adjective 'vorbildlich' derived from 'Vorbild'.

Ich habe kein berühmtes Vorbild.

I don't have a famous role model.

Negation with 'kein'.

Gute Lehrer sind wichtige Vorbilder.

Good teachers are important role models.

Plural adjective ending -e.

Sie ist ein Vorbild an Höflichkeit.

She is a model of politeness.

Prepositional phrase 'an + Dativ' to specify the quality.

Warum ist er dein Vorbild?

Why is he your role model?

Interrogative 'warum'.

Er nimmt sich seinen Bruder zum Vorbild.

He takes his brother as a role model.

Reflexive 'sich' (Dative) + zum Vorbild nehmen.

Die Eltern sollten ein Vorbild sein.

Parents should be a role model.

Modal verb 'sollten'.

Es ist wichtig, sich positive Vorbilder zu suchen.

It is important to look for positive role models.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Prominente haben eine große Vorbildfunktion.

Celebrities have a major role model function.

Compound noun: Vorbild + Funktion.

Er eifert seinem Vorbild in allem nach.

He emulates his role model in everything.

Verb 'nacheifern' takes the dative case.

Sie dient vielen jungen Frauen als Vorbild.

She serves as a role model for many young women.

Phrase: 'als Vorbild dienen'.

Wir sollten uns an ihm ein Vorbild nehmen.

We should take an example from him.

Fixed idiom: 'sich (Dat) an jmdm (Dat) ein Vorbild nehmen'.

Sein Erfolg ist ein Vorbild für uns alle.

His success is an example for all of us.

Preposition 'für' + accusative.

In der Schule lernen wir über historische Vorbilder.

In school, we learn about historical role models.

Adjective 'historische' in plural.

Man kann sich auch fiktive Figuren zum Vorbild nehmen.

One can also take fictional characters as role models.

Reflexive construction.

Die Firma wurde nach dem Vorbild amerikanischer Start-ups gegründet.

The company was founded following the model of American start-ups.

Phrase: 'nach dem Vorbild von'.

Die Vorbildwirkung der Eltern darf nicht unterschätzt werden.

The exemplary effect of parents must not be underestimated.

Passive voice with 'darf nicht ... werden'.

Er verhält sich keineswegs vorbildlich.

He is by no means behaving in an exemplary manner.

Adverbial use of 'vorbildlich' with negation.

Viele Jugendliche suchen ihre Vorbilder im Internet.

Many young people look for their role models on the internet.

Plural object.

Sie ist ein Vorbild an Standhaftigkeit und Mut.

She is a model of steadfastness and courage.

Nouns of quality after 'an'.

Es mangelt der heutigen Gesellschaft an echten Vorbildern.

Today's society lacks real role models.

Verb 'mangeln' + an + Dative.

Können Politiker heute noch als Vorbilder fungieren?

Can politicians still function as role models today?

Verb 'fungieren als'.

Sein vorbildlicher Einsatz wurde mit einem Preis geehrt.

His exemplary commitment was honored with a prize.

Adjective declension in the nominative.

Die Architektur des Gebäudes orientiert sich am Vorbild der Antike.

The building's architecture is based on the model of antiquity.

Verb 'sich orientieren an' + Dative.

Er reflektierte kritisch über seine eigenen Vorbilder.

He reflected critically on his own role models.

Prepositional object 'über'.

Die Vorbildhaftigkeit seiner Biografie ist unumstritten.

The exemplary nature of his biography is undisputed.

Abstract noun 'Vorbildhaftigkeit'.

Inwieweit besitzen Manager eine moralische Vorbildfunktion?

To what extent do managers possess a moral role model function?

Interrogative 'inwieweit'.

Sie versuchte, dem hohen Anspruch ihres Vorbilds gerecht zu werden.

She tried to live up to the high standards of her role model.

Genitive 'ihres Vorbilds'.

Das Projekt hat Vorbildcharakter für das ganze Land.

The project has an exemplary character for the whole country.

Compound noun with 'Charakter'.

Man sollte Vorbilder nicht idealisieren, sondern als Menschen sehen.

One should not idealize role models, but see them as human beings.

Contrastive conjunction 'sondern'.

Die Erosion traditioneller Vorbilder führt zu Orientierungslosigkeit.

The erosion of traditional role models leads to a lack of orientation.

Genitive plural 'traditioneller Vorbilder'.

Die Dialektik des Vorbilds impliziert stets auch eine gewisse Unfreiheit des Nachahmenden.

The dialectic of the role model always implies a certain lack of freedom for the imitator.

High-level philosophical vocabulary.

Er stilisierte sich selbst zum Vorbild einer ganzen Generation.

He stylized himself as the role model of an entire generation.

Verb 'stilisieren zu'.

In der Postmoderne scheint der Begriff des Vorbilds zunehmend obsolet zu werden.

In postmodernity, the concept of the role model seems to become increasingly obsolete.

Infinitive construction with 'scheinen ... zu'.

Die pädagogische Wirksamkeit eines Vorbilds beruht auf Authentizität.

The pedagogical effectiveness of a role model is based on authenticity.

Genitive 'eines Vorbilds'.

Sein Handeln war geprägt von einer fast schon beängstigenden Vorbildlichkeit.

His actions were characterized by an almost frightening exemplariness.

Noun 'Vorbildlichkeit'.

Es gilt, die Vorbildfunktion des Rechtsstaates global zu verteidigen.

It is necessary to globally defend the role model function of the rule of law.

Fixed expression 'Es gilt, ... zu'.

Das Werk entstand in bewusster Abkehr von klassischen Vorbildern.

The work was created in a conscious departure from classical models.

Dative plural 'klassischen Vorbildern'.

Die Suche nach einem Vorbild ist oft eine Suche nach der eigenen Identität.

The search for a role model is often a search for one's own identity.

Parallel structure.

Colocações comuns

ein leuchtendes Vorbild

sich jemanden zum Vorbild nehmen

als Vorbild dienen

ein Vorbild an Tugend

die moralische Vorbildfunktion

nach dem Vorbild von

ein schlechtes Vorbild

jemandem ein Vorbild sein

echte Vorbilder

Vorbilder suchen

Frases Comuns

mit gutem Beispiel vorangehen

— To lead by example, often synonymous with acting as a Vorbild.

Der Chef sollte mit gutem Beispiel vorangehen.

sich ein Beispiel an jemandem nehmen

— To take a leaf out of someone's book, very similar to 'sich zum Vorbild nehmen'.

Nimm dir ein Beispiel an deiner Schwester!

ein Vorbild für die Jugend

— A role model for the youth.

Er ist ein echtes Vorbild für die Jugend.

seiner Vorbildfunktion gerecht werden

— To live up to one's role as a model.

Er konnte seiner Vorbildfunktion nicht gerecht werden.

kein Vorbild sein

— To not be a good example.

Sein Verhalten ist wahrlich kein Vorbild.

ein Vorbild an Fleiß

— A model of diligence.

Sie ist ein Vorbild an Fleiß.

nach dem Vorbild Christi

— Following the model of Christ (religious context).

Ein Leben nach dem Vorbild Christi führen.

das Vorbild für eine Figur

— The real-life model for a fictional character.

Wer war das Vorbild für Sherlock Holmes?

ein würdiges Vorbild

— A worthy role model.

Er ist ein würdiges Vorbild für sein Amt.

ohne Vorbild sein

— To be unprecedented (literally: without a model).

Diese Tat ist in der Geschichte ohne Vorbild.

Frequentemente confundido com

Vorbild vs Beispiel

Beispiel is a general 'example'. Vorbild is specifically an 'exemplary model'.

Vorbild vs Idol

Idol is often about fame/worship; Vorbild is about character/imitation.

Vorbild vs Modell

Modell is usually technical (a model car) or a profession (fashion model).

Expressões idiomáticas

"Jemandem den Rang ablaufen"

— To outdo someone who was previously a model or leader.

Die junge Firma lief dem alten Vorbild den Rang ab.

neutral

"In jemandes Fußstapfen treten"

— To follow in someone's footsteps (emulating a Vorbild).

Er trat in die Fußstapfen seines Vaters.

neutral

"Sich eine Scheibe abschneiden"

— To take a slice (learn/copy) from someone's good behavior.

Von seinem Fleiß kannst du dir eine Scheibe abschneiden.

informal

"Das Maß aller Dinge sein"

— To be the ultimate standard/model.

In Sachen Design ist diese Firma das Maß aller Dinge.

formal

"Einen Namen machen"

— To make a name for oneself, potentially becoming a Vorbild.

Sie hat sich als Forscherin einen Namen gemacht.

neutral

"Lichtgestalt"

— A figure of light; a person perceived as a perfect role model.

Franz Beckenbauer galt lange als Lichtgestalt des Fußballs.

journalistic

"Übervater"

— A dominant, almost legendary role model figure (often within a family or field).

Er lebte im Schatten seines Übervaters.

neutral

"Leuchtturmprojekt"

— A lighthouse project; a project that serves as a model for others.

Das neue Windkraftwerk ist ein Leuchtturmprojekt.

business

"Schule machen"

— To set a precedent that others follow.

Sein neuer Stil machte schnell Schule.

neutral

"Sich an die eigene Nase fassen"

— To look at one's own faults before criticizing others (being a better Vorbild).

Bevor du ihn kritisierst, fass dir an die eigene Nase.

informal

Fácil de confundir

Vorbild vs Abbild

Both contain 'Bild'.

Abbild is a direct copy or reflection; Vorbild is a model for future behavior.

Das Foto ist ein Abbild der Realität.

Vorbild vs Sinnbild

Both contain 'Bild'.

Sinnbild is a symbol or allegory (e.g., a dove as a symbol of peace).

Die Taube ist ein Sinnbild des Friedens.

Vorbild vs Leitbild

Both mean a kind of model.

Leitbild is a guiding principle or vision, often for a group; Vorbild is usually a person.

Das Unternehmen hat ein neues Leitbild entwickelt.

Vorbild vs Ebenbild

Both contain 'Bild'.

Ebenbild means someone looks exactly like someone else.

Er ist das Ebenbild seines Vaters.

Vorbild vs Trugbild

Both contain 'Bild'.

Trugbild is a phantom or illusion, the opposite of a real Vorbild.

Sein Erfolg war nur ein Trugbild.

Padrões de frases

X ist mein Vorbild.

Mein Opa ist mein Vorbild.

X ist ein Vorbild für Y.

Sie ist ein Vorbild für alle Frauen.

Sich X zum Vorbild nehmen.

Er nimmt sich seinen Lehrer zum Vorbild.

Jemandem ein Vorbild sein.

Du bist mir ein großes Vorbild.

Als Vorbild dienen für X.

Dieser Film dient als Vorbild für viele Regisseure.

Nach dem Vorbild von X.

Die Reform wurde nach dem Vorbild Schwedens durchgeführt.

X an Vorbildlichkeit übertreffen.

Niemand konnte ihn an Vorbildlichkeit übertreffen.

Die Erosion der Vorbildfunktion.

Wir beobachten eine Erosion der Vorbildfunktion in der Politik.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Vorbildlichkeit (exemplariness)

Vorbildfunktion (role model function)

Abbild (copy)

Sinnbild (symbol)

Verbos

abbilden (to depict)

nachbilden (to replicate)

ausbilden (to train)

Adjetivos

vorbildlich (exemplary)

bildlich (figurative)

bildhaft (vivid)

Relacionado

Beispiel

Muster

Ideal

Idol

Leitbild

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Como usar

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written German.

Erros comuns

Sie ist eine Vorbild. → Sie ist ein Vorbild.
Vorbild is a neuter noun, so the article must be 'ein', even for women.
Er ist ein Beispiel für mich. → Er ist ein Vorbild für mich.
Use 'Vorbild' when talking about someone you admire and emulate.
Ich nehme ihn als Vorbild. → Ich nehme ihn mir zum Vorbild.
The idiom requires 'sich (Dat) zum Vorbild nehmen'.
Die Vorbilden sind wichtig. → Die Vorbilder sind wichtig.
The plural of Vorbild is Vorbilder, not Vorbilden.
Er hat eine Vorbildrolle. → Er hat eine Vorbildfunktion.
While 'Rolle' is understood, 'Vorbildfunktion' is the standard German term.

Dicas

Use 'vorbildlich' for praise

When someone does a great job, say 'Das war vorbildlich!' It sounds more sophisticated than just 'gut'.

Watch the Dative

Remember: 'jemandem (Dativ) ein Vorbild sein'. Example: 'Du bist MIR ein Vorbild'.

Vorbild vs Beispiel

Use 'Vorbild' for people/virtues and 'Beispiel' for facts/rules.

Social Responsibility

Understand that 'Vorbild' carries a sense of social duty in German-speaking cultures.

The 'V' sound

Always pronounce the 'V' in Vorbild like an English 'F'.

Visualizing

Picture a 'Vorbild' as a 'Picture' (Bild) that stands 'Before' (Vor) you.

Compound nouns

Combine 'Vorbild' with other nouns to sound more native, like 'Vorbildcharakter'.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize 'sich zum Vorbild nehmen' as one single block.

Context Clues

In news, 'Vorbild' is often paired with 'Funktion' or 'Wirkung'.

Abstract use

Use 'nach dem Vorbild von' when comparing systems or historical periods.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Vor' as 'Before' and 'Bild' as 'Picture'. A Vorbild is the 'Picture' you keep 'Before' your eyes to follow.

Associação visual

Imagine a child standing behind a giant, glowing picture of a hero, stepping exactly into the footprints shown in that picture.

Word Web

Hero Teacher Parent Mentor Example Ideal Integrity Imitation

Desafio

Try to identify three people in your life who are 'Vorbilder' and write one sentence for each using the phrase 'sich zum Vorbild nehmen'.

Origem da palavra

The word originates from Middle High German 'vorbilde'. It was originally used in religious and legal contexts to describe a prototype or an original image that one should follow.

Significado original: A primary image or prototype used as a basis for imitation.

Germanic.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'Vorbild' in political contexts to avoid sounding like you are calling for blind following, which has negative historical associations.

While English speakers use 'role model', 'Vorbild' feels slightly more formal and heavy with ethical weight in German.

Albert Schweitzer is often cited as a 'Vorbild an Humanität'. Sophie Scholl is a 'Vorbild an Zivilcourage'. The 'Vorbildfunktion' of the German national football team is a constant media topic.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Parenting

ein gutes Vorbild sein
Vorbildfunktion der Eltern
Kinder brauchen Vorbilder
mit gutem Beispiel vorangehen

Sports

Vorbild für junge Talente
sportliches Vorbild
Fairplay als Vorbild
Idole und Vorbilder

Workplace

Vorbild an Pünktlichkeit
sich den Chef zum Vorbild nehmen
vorbildliche Arbeitsweise
Mentor und Vorbild

Politics

Vorbild für andere Staaten
politische Vorbilder
Vorbildfunktion des Amtes
nach dem Vorbild der Demokratie

History

historische Vorbilder
ein Vorbild an Mut
nach antikem Vorbild
das Vorbild der Revolution

Iniciadores de conversa

"Wer war in deiner Kindheit dein größtes Vorbild und warum?"

"Glaubst du, dass Influencer heutzutage gute Vorbilder für Jugendliche sind?"

"Sollten Sportler eine Vorbildfunktion haben, oder ist das zu viel verlangt?"

"Welche historischen Vorbilder findest du besonders inspirierend?"

"Ist es wichtig, sich im Berufsleben ein Vorbild zu suchen?"

Temas para diário

Schreibe über eine Person, die du dir zum Vorbild nimmst. Welche Eigenschaften bewunderst du an ihr?

Reflektiere darüber, ob du selbst für jemanden ein Vorbild bist. In welchen Bereichen möchtest du ein Vorbild sein?

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile davon, Idole als Vorbilder zu haben.

Was macht ein 'gutes' Vorbild in der heutigen digitalen Welt aus?

Wie hat sich dein Verständnis von einem Vorbild verändert, seit du erwachsen bist?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Mostly yes, but it can be used for abstract things like a 'Vorbildprojekt' (model project) or a law that serves as a model for others. However, in 90% of cases, it refers to a person.

Strictly speaking, no. If you want to say someone is a bad example, you say 'ein schlechtes Vorbild' or 'ein abschreckendes Beispiel'. 'Vorbild' on its own is positive.

An 'Idol' is someone you admire, maybe a pop star. A 'Vorbild' is someone whose specific actions or character you try to copy in your own life. You can have an idol without wanting to be like them.

You say 'mit gutem Beispiel vorangehen'. You can also say 'ein Vorbild sein', but 'vorangehen' captures the 'leading' aspect better.

Yes. Even if you are talking about a woman, it is 'das Vorbild'. 'Sie ist ein Vorbild' is correct. 'Sie ist eine Vorbild' is incorrect.

It refers to the responsibility that certain people (like parents, teachers, or celebrities) have to act as a good example because others look up to them.

No, for that you use 'Muster'.

You can use 'Vorbild' or 'Mentor', though 'Mentor' implies a direct teaching relationship, while 'Vorbild' is someone you just observe and emulate.

It is an anglicism (from 'role model') and is sometimes used in sociology, but 'Vorbild' is much more natural and common in German.

It means 'modeled after' or 'following the example of'. For example: 'Ein Haus nach dem Vorbild einer Villa'.

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