Biografie

Biografie is the written account of a person's life, typically produced by someone other than the subject. The term is used in Dutch and German and translates to 'biography' in English. A biography combines factual information—birth, education, career, relationships, and achievements—with interpretation of how these elements fit within broader social and historical contexts. Unlike an autobiography, which is written by the person themselves, a biography aims to be objective or at least critically balanced, drawing on multiple sources such as letters, diaries, interviews, official records, and contemporary accounts.

Biographies vary in scope and style. They can be scholarly, presenting a comprehensive life history with extensive citations; popular or literary, prioritizing narrative and thematic resonance; micro-biographies that cover a short period or a single aspect; or collective biographies that examine a group of people. Biographers must verify facts, assess sources, and consider biases, aiming for accuracy and fair representation. Ethical considerations include privacy, especially for living subjects, and responsible treatment of contested claims.

Historically, biography is an ancient genre, with Plutarch's Parallel Lives among early influential examples; later developments include royal and court biographies, modern scholarly biographies, and life-writing in many media. Biographies serve educational purposes, preserve cultural memory, and offer insights into how individuals shape and are shaped by their times. The genre continues to evolve with digital sources, aggregate profiles, and reflective memoirs that blur the line between biography and autobiography.