German word

fotografieren

Pronunciation

IPA/fotogʁaˈfiːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbtake a picture

Example

Er fotografiert das Bild mit seinem Handy.

He is taking the picture with his phone.

Illustration for fotografieren (take a picture)

More examples

Auf Reisen fotografiere ich oft die lokale Architektur.

When traveling, I often take pictures of the local architecture.

Core concept

A lens is aimed at a subject to preserve its visible appearance in a still picture.

Common phrases

  • ein Motiv fotografieren

    take a picture of a subject

  • auf Reisen fotografieren

    take pictures while traveling

Similar words

ein Foto machen: To take a picture in everyday situations.
knipsen: To take a picture quickly and casually.

Definition in German

mit einer Kamera oder einem Smartphone ein Bild aufnehmen

Word origin

Fotografieren is derived from Fotografie, a word ultimately based on Greek elements meaning 'light' and 'writing'.

Usage tips

  • The person or object being photographed normally appears as a direct accusative object, as in jemanden fotografieren.

Related words

  • Fotografiephotographynoun
  • Fotografinfemale photographernoun

Word lists with this word