Vorbild

Vorbild is a German noun meaning an example to follow or a person who provides inspiration through conduct. It derives from vor (before, in front) and Bild (image, model), and is closely related to the adjective vorbildlich (exemplary). In English, its closest equivalents are role model or exemplar.

In daily life, people may act as Vorbilder for others, particularly children. Parents, teachers, coaches, and public figures can form a Vorbildfunktion—a role-model function—where their behavior serves as a reference for norms and values. In education and psychology, observational learning (modeling) explains how individuals imitate observed actions.

Vorbilder are context-dependent; what constitutes a good Vorbild varies by culture and era. Idealization can lead to pressure or disappointment when a real person falls short. Critics warn against turning public figures into infallible icons. In some cases, deliberate role-modeling is used in moral education or leadership development.

Multiple terms describe the concept: Vorbild, Vorbildfunktion, Musterbeispiel, Beispiel. The plural Vorbilder denotes multiple role models. In practice, Vorbilder span family, education, sport, science, and public life, shaping attitudes and aspirations.