German Conversation · Level 42
75 words
German word
zeichnen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtsaɪ̯çnən/
Meaning
- verbdraw
Example
Ich zeichne gerade ein Bild.
I am drawing a picture right now.
More examples
Könntest du das bitte an der Tafel zeichnen?
Could you please draw that on the blackboard?
Core concept
A hand builds the visible form of an object from a few deliberate lines and contours.
Common phrases
ein Bild zeichnen
draw a picture
eine Skizze zeichnen
draw a sketch
auf Papier zeichnen
draw on paper
Similar words
malen: Make a picture by applying paint or color to create shapes and tones.
skizzieren: Capture a basic layout or idea quickly with simple lines and forms.
kritzeln: Write or draw freely with scattered lines, without aiming for clear shapes.
ausmalen: Add color inside outlined sections of a picture.
Definition in German
Durch Linien oder Konturen auf einer Fläche die Form oder das Aussehen von etwas darstellen oder skizzieren.
Word origin
Zeichnen developed from Middle High German zeich(e)nen and is related to Zeichen, whose Germanic root referred to making a mark.
Usage tips
- German uses zeichnen for line-based drawing, while malen usually refers to painting or working with colors.