to record / note down
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to record
To capture audio or video signals on a storage medium so they can be played back later.
Wir sollten das Interview aufzeichnen, damit uns keine Details entgehen.
We should record the interview so we don't miss any details.
to note down
To write something down or record it in writing so as not to forget it or in order to document it.
Der Forscher zeichnete alle seine Beobachtungen sorgfältig in seinem Notizbuch auf.
The researcher carefully noted down all his observations in his notebook.
to sketch
To represent something graphically by drawing or sketching it.
Können Sie mir den Weg zum Bahnhof kurz auf einem Zettel aufzeichnen?
Could you quickly sketch the way to the train station for me on a piece of paper?
'Aufzeichnen' (to record / note down) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Journalist zeichnete das gesamte Gespräch auf.
The journalist recorded the entire conversation.
The verb consists of the prefix 'auf-' and the verb 'zeichnen' (to draw). The prefix conveys the idea of capturing information on a surface or medium—whether on tape, on paper, or as an image.
Er zeichnete seine Beobachtungen in einem Notizbuch auf.
He noted down his observations in a notebook.
The object of the sentence reveals the exact meaning. If it refers to technical media (film, conversation, broadcast), it means 'aufnehmen' (to record). With information (data, thoughts), it means 'notieren' (to note down). With visual things (route, plan), it means 'skizzieren' (to sketch).
Ich zeichne die Sendung auf, weil ich später keine Zeit habe.
I'm recording the show because I won't have time later.
In the technical meaning, 'aufzeichnen' is often combined with digital or analog media. Typical phrases are: 'eine Sendung aufzeichnen' (to record a broadcast), 'ein Video aufzeichnen' (to record a video), 'ein Telefongespräch aufzeichnen' (to record a phone call), or 'ein Konzert aufzeichnen' (to record a concert).
Viele Menschen zeichnen ihre Lieblingsserien auf, um sie später anzusehen.
Many people record their favorite series in order to watch them later.
to record / take in
Aufnehmen and aufzeichnen can both mean capturing sound or images for later use. Aufnehmen is the broader everyday term and can also emphasize making a recording; aufzeichnen focuses more strongly on technically storing the signal.
Das Gerät zeichnet das Lied während des Konzerts automatisch auf.
The device automatically records the song during the concert.
Die Band nimmt heute im Studio ein neues Lied auf.
The band is recording a new song in the studio today.
