German Conversation · Level 92
59 words
German word
Gestalt
Pronunciation
IPA/gəˈʃtalt/
Meaning
- feminine nounfigure
Example
Am Fenster stand eine schattenhafte Gestalt.
A shadowy figure stood by the window.
More examples
Eine Zeugin schilderte eine schemenhafte Gestalt.
A witness described an indistinct figure.
Core concept
A visible figure has a complete outer shape that can be recognized even when its details are unclear.
Common phrases
eine schemenhafte Gestalt
an indistinct figure
prominente Gestalt
prominent figure
die Gestalt einer Person
the figure of a person
Similar words
Form: The visible shape or outer form of a person or thing.
Figur: The visible shape or build of a person's body.
Aussehen: The overall appearance of a person or thing and the impression it gives.
Definition in German
Äußere Form oder sichtbare Erscheinung von etwas oder jemandem; die wahrnehmbare Figur.
Word origin
The German noun Gestalt developed from Middle High German gestalt and Old High German gistalt, related to stellen and originally referring to something set or formed.
Usage tips
- Gestalt often sounds literary or formal for physical appearance, while Form, Figur, or Aussehen is usually more neutral in everyday descriptions.
Other meanings
- shapenoun
- outlinenoun
Opposites
- Detaildetailnoun
Related words
- Gestaltungformationnoun
- gestaltlosshapelessadjective