abbilden
to depict
To represent someone or something visually, for example in a photo, a drawing, or a sculpture.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gemälde bildet eine Szene aus der griechischen Mythologie ab.
This painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology.
abbilden
to depict / to map
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Meanings
abbilden
to map
In mathematics or technology, to assign a set of elements or values to another set according to a specific rule.
EXAMPLE
Die Funktion f(x) = x² bildet die Menge der reellen Zahlen auf die Menge der nicht-negativen reellen Zahlen ab.
The function f(x) = x² maps the set of real numbers to the set of non-negative real numbers.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abbilden' (to depict/to map) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Das Foto bildet meine Großmutter als junge Frau ab.
The photo depicts my grandmother as a young woman.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ab-' and the verb 'bilden' (to form/create), which is related to 'das Bild' (the picture). Literally, it means to make a picture or representation of something.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler wollte die Stimmung des Morgens abbilden.
The artist wanted to depict the mood of the morning.
Context clue
The meaning depends strongly on the field. In everyday language, art, or photography, it means 'darstellen' (to represent/depict). In mathematics, computer science, or technology, it means 'zuordnen' (to map/assign).
EXAMPLE
Der Roman bildet das Leben im 19. Jahrhundert sehr genau ab.
The novel depicts life in the 19th century very accurately.
Use with prepositions
When something is being depicted, the medium is often introduced with 'in' or 'auf'. For example: 'jemanden auf einem Foto abbilden' (to depict someone in a photo) or 'eine Situation in einem Film abbilden' (to depict a situation in a film).
EXAMPLE
Die Statistik bildet die Entwicklung der letzten Jahre ab.
The statistics depict the development of the last few years.
Fixed structure
In the mathematical meaning, a fixed structure is used: 'etwas auf etwas (Akkusativ) abbilden' (to map something onto something). This describes the assignment of elements from one set to another.
EXAMPLE
Die Projektion bildet den dreidimensionalen Raum auf eine zweidimensionale Ebene ab.
The projection maps three-dimensional space onto a two-dimensional plane.
Compare with
abbilden vs darstellen
to represent / portray / constitute
Both verbs can be used for a visual representation. Abbilden emphasizes a pictorial reproduction that is usually as accurate as possible, while darstellen also allows for a deliberately chosen perspective or design. Use abbilden for visual reproduction and darstellen for a more general or interpretive presentation.
abbilden
Das Foto bildet den alten Bahnhof möglichst genau ab.
The photo depicts the old train station as accurately as possible.
darstellen
Die Zeichnung stellt den alten Bahnhof aus der Sicht des Künstlers dar.
The drawing depicts the old train station from the artist's perspective.
In real life
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