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
beschreiben
to trace
To move along a particular line or curve. Often used in geometric or physical contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Satellit beschreibt eine stabile Umlaufbahn um die Erde.
The satellite traces a stable orbit around the Earth.
beschreiben
to write on
To write or draw on a surface; to cover something with writing.
EXAMPLE
Das leere Blatt Papier wartete darauf, beschrieben zu werden.
The blank sheet of paper was waiting to be written on.
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 bezeichnen
to call / mark
Bezeichnen assigns a specific name or characteristic to a person or behavior. Beschreiben, by contrast, presents what the person or behavior is like using several details. Bezeichnen is suitable for a brief judgment, while beschreiben is suitable for a more precise account.
beschreiben
Die Kollegin beschreibt sein Verhalten genau: Er unterbricht andere und hört ihnen nicht zu.
Her colleague described his behavior precisely: He interrupts others and does not listen to them.
bezeichnen
Die Kollegin bezeichnet sein Verhalten als rücksichtslos.
Her colleague called his behavior inconsiderate.
In real life
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