01
das Bild
picture
A visual representation of something or someone, for example a photograph, painting, or drawing.
example
An der Wand hängt ein schönes Bild von der Küste.
There is a beautiful picture of the coast hanging on the wall.
das Bild
picture / image
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common in compounds
The word 'Bild' (picture/image) is part of many compound nouns. The prefix often describes the type or content of the image.
EXAMPLE
Ein Landschaftsbild zeigt eine Landschaft.
A landscape painting shows a landscape.
Fixed expression
The expression 'sich ein Bild von etwas machen' (to get a picture of something) is reflexive and requires the dative. It means to form a personal impression.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte mir vor Ort ein Bild von der Lage machen.
I would like to get a picture of the situation on site.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'im Bilde sein' means 'to be informed'. You can also 'jemanden ins Bild setzen', which means 'to inform someone'.
EXAMPLE
Danke für die E-Mail, jetzt bin ich im Bilde.
Thanks for the email; now I'm in the picture.
Mental picture
When 'Bild' (picture/image) describes an idea in your head, it is often combined with words like 'im Kopf' (in one's head), 'innerlich' (internally), or 'eine Vorstellung' (an idea/conception).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe noch ein ganz genaues Bild von unserem ersten Treffen im Kopf.
I still have a very precise picture of our first meeting in my head.
Public reputation
In the meaning 'Image' (image), 'Bild' (image) is often used in the context of media and the public. It describes the reputation of a person or company.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma versucht, ihr negatives Bild in der Öffentlichkeit zu korrigieren.
The company is trying to correct its negative image in the public eye.
Typical verbs
When 'Bild' (scene/sight) describes a scene or sight, it is often used with the verbs 'bieten' (to present/offer) or 'abgeben' (to make/present).
EXAMPLE
Die Fans im Stadion gaben ein farbenfrohes Bild ab.
The fans in the stadium made a colorful scene.
Literary context
In literary or linguistic analysis, 'Bild' (image) refers to a metaphor or linguistic symbol. This is not about a visual representation.
EXAMPLE
In dem Gedicht steht das Bild des Weges für das Leben.
In the poem, the image of the path stands for life.
Technical context
In a technical context, e.g. with televisions or cameras, 'das Bild' (the picture) refers to the quality of the display. Typical adjectives are 'scharf' (sharp), 'unscharf' (blurry), or 'hell' (bright).
EXAMPLE
Stell bitte das Bild am Monitor etwas heller ein.
Please set the picture on the monitor a little brighter.
Compare with
Bild vs Video
video
'das Bild' and 'das Video' both belong to visual media, that is, things you can look at. The most important difference is movement. A picture is normally still, for example a photo, a drawing, or an image on a screen. A video shows moving images and often sound as well. Learners may confuse the words because both can appear on a phone, computer, or television. If you only see a fixed moment, it is a 'Bild'. If something moves or is played, it is a 'Video'.
Bild
Für den Vortrag zeigt Lena ein Bild von der alten Brücke.
For the presentation, Lena shows a picture of the old bridge.
Video
Im Training hat der Trainer ein kurzes Video von der Übung gezeigt.
During training, the coach showed a short video of the exercise.
In real life
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