The German word Paradebeispiel, which literally translates as ‘parade example’, is used to refer to a person or object that is the absolute embodiment of something.
Whether it’s a classmate who is the textbook example of a teacher's pet, or a newly passed law that is the epitome of good foreign policy, there is no shortage of Paradebeispiele in the world.
Just as a parade is loud and rather hard to miss, a Paradebeispiel is usually a glaringly obvious example of a certain concept or idea.
Parades such as the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin are as hard to miss as 'Paradebeispiele'. Photo: DPA
As parades are most often lively and fun events, the term is most often used in a positive sense: a hit album may be a Paradebeispiel for musical success, or a new building may be a Paradebeispiel for modern innovation.
It can, however, also be used in a more negative way: some may say that socks and sandals are a Paradebeispiel for bad taste, or that a country’s government is a Paradebeispiel for failed leadership.
Similar English terms include ‘prime example’, ‘case in point’ or ‘textbook example’.
You will often also see people pointing to an object or person after making a statement and saying ‘Exhibit A’, suggesting that said object or person is perfect evidence for what they have just said.
So, if you ever find yourself being known as a Paradebeispiel for something, let’s hope it’s for one of your better qualities or achievements!