German Conversation · Level 20
90 words
German word
beschreiben
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈʃʁaɪ̯bən/
Meaning
- verbdescribe
Example
Er beschreibt das Problem.
He describes the problem.
More examples
Wir müssen den Weg beschreiben.
We have to describe the route.
Core concept
A person traces the visible shape, course, or character of something in words, whether presenting a scene or explaining a problem.
Common phrases
den Weg beschreiben
describe the route
die Situation beschreiben
describe the situation
Similar words
erklären: Explain meaning or reasons clearly and step by step.
schildern: Tell about a scene or event in detail, conveying how it unfolded.
vorstellen: Introduce a person or subject so others can become familiar with it.
Definition in German
Mündlich oder schriftlich die wichtigsten Merkmale, Abläufe oder Eindrücke von etwas wiedergeben, ohne notwendigerweise Ursachen oder Gründe zu erklären.
Word origin
The verb comes from Middle High German beschriben, formed with be- and schreiben; its sense developed from writing about something to presenting its features generally.
Usage tips
- The prefix be- is inseparable, so the past participle is beschrieben rather than gebeschrieben.
Other meanings
- depictverb
- outlineverb
Opposites
- verbergenhideverb
Related words
- Beschreibungdescriptionnoun
- beschreibenddescriptiveadjective