01
beschreiben
to describe
To represent in detail with words what a person, thing, or situation is like.
example
Können Sie bitte genau beschreiben, was Sie gesehen haben?
Could you please describe exactly what you saw?
beschreiben
to describe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Beschreiben' (to describe) is an inseparable verb derived from 'schreiben' (to write). The prefix 'be-' makes the verb transitive and changes the meaning from 'schreiben' to 'über etwas schreiben' (to write about something, i.e. to represent something) or 'auf etwas schreiben' (to write on something).
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge konnte den Täter genau beschreiben.
The witness was able to describe the perpetrator precisely.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If the object is a person, thing, or situation, it means 'darstellen' (to represent/describe). If the object is a geometric form (circle, curve), it means 'sich bewegen auf' (to move along). If the object is an empty surface (paper, board), it means 'mit Schrift versehen' (to cover with writing).
EXAMPLE
Er beschrieb seine Gefühle in einem Brief.
He described his feelings in a letter.
Typical collocations
In the most common meaning, 'darstellen' (to describe/represent), 'beschreiben' (to describe) is often combined with these nouns: 'eine Person beschreiben' (to describe a person), 'einen Weg beschreiben' (to describe a route), 'ein Problem beschreiben' (to describe a problem), or 'seine Gefühle beschreiben' (to describe one's feelings).
EXAMPLE
In ihrem Roman beschreibt sie das Leben im 19. Jahrhundert.
In her novel, she describes life in the 19th century.
Register and context
The meaning 'sich auf einer Bahn bewegen' (to move along a path/orbit) is used almost exclusively in a scientific or technical context, for example in geometry, physics, or astronomy.
EXAMPLE
Die Spitze des Pendels beschreibt einen perfekten Bogen.
The tip of the pendulum traces a perfect arc.
Compare with
beschreiben vs erklären
to explain / declare
'erklären' and 'beschreiben' are both used when you talk about something with words. 'beschreiben' fits when you say what something looks like, what it is like, or how something happens. 'erklären' goes one step further: you make it understandable how something works or why something is the way it is. That is why you can describe a person, a place, or a situation without really explaining it. There is a risk of confusion especially at school and at work: for details and characteristics, you are more likely to use 'beschreiben'; for reasons, rules, and connections, you are more likely to use 'erklären'.
beschreiben
Im Bericht beschreibt Tom genau, wie der Unfall passiert ist.
In the report, Tom describes exactly how the accident happened.
erklären
Die Lehrerin erklärt der Klasse, warum diese Regel wichtig ist.
The teacher explains to the class why this rule is important.
In real life
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