German Conversation · Level 68
60 words
German word
malen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈmaːlən/
Meaning
- verbdraw
Example
Ich male gern Landschaften.
I like drawing landscapes.
More examples
Am Wochenende male ich ein Bild mit Wasserfarben.
At the weekend, I paint a picture with watercolors.
Core concept
A brush or pencil leaves colored marks that become a picture or design on a surface.
Common phrases
ein Bild malen
paint a picture
mit Wasserfarben malen
paint with watercolors
auf Papier malen
paint on paper
Similar words
zeichnen: To depict forms or contours by drawing lines with a pencil or pen.
streichen: To apply paint evenly to walls or furniture with a brush or roller.
ausmalen: To color in empty sections of a picture or diagram until it is complete.
bemalen: To add painted colors or patterns to an object or fabric for decoration.
Definition in German
mit Farbe oder Pinsel auf einer Fläche etwas darstellen oder gestalten
Word origin
Malen comes through Old High German malōn and Middle High German malen from an inherited Germanic verb associated with marking or applying color.
Usage tips
- For a line drawing, German usually uses zeichnen, while malen suits pictures made with paint or broader colored areas.