German Conversation · Level 84
57 words
German word
Kontur
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔnˈtuːɐ̯/
Meaning
- feminine nounoutline
Example
Die Kontur ihres Gesichts ist deutlich.
The outline of her face is clearly defined.
More examples
Das Gesicht gewann unter dem warmen Licht an Kontur.
The face became more defined in the warm light.
Core concept
The visible edge traced around a form, whether it belongs to a face, a landscape, or a technical drawing.
Common phrases
die Kontur des Gesichts
the outline of the face
eine Kontur zeichnen
draw an outline
an Kontur gewinnen
become more defined
Similar words
Umriss: The outer boundary or overall shape of an object.
Profil: The side-view outline of a person or object.
Silhouette: A dark shape formed when a person or object is seen against light.
Form: The overall shape and characteristic structure of something.
Definition in German
Die äußere Linie oder Form eines Gegenstandes, die seine Gestalt deutlich macht.
Word origin
The German noun comes through French contour from a Latin verb meaning to turn or draw around, matching its sense of a surrounding line.
Usage tips
- Kontur can mean a contour line in a drawing, while Umriss more often emphasizes the complete outer outline and Silhouette a dark shape viewed against a background.
Opposites
- Unschärfeblurrinessnoun
- Unbestimmtheitindefinitenessnoun
Related words
- konturierenoutlineverb
- konturiertdefinedadjective
- Konturierungoutliningnoun