creation / body of work
das Schaffen
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creation
The creative act of working, especially in the artistic or intellectual field; also, more generally, a productive activity.
Die Malerin braucht für ihr künstlerisches Schaffen viel Ruhe.
The painter needs a great deal of peace and quiet for her artistic work.
body of work
The entirety of the works that someone has produced, especially in art or literature.
Die Ausstellung bietet einen Überblick über das gesamte Schaffen des Bildhauers.
The exhibition provides an overview of the sculptor's entire body of work.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Schaffens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schaffen | – |
| accusative | das Schaffen | – |
| dative | dem Schaffen | – |
| genitive | des Schaffens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Schaffen' is an infinitive of the verb 'schaffen' (to create) used as a noun. This connection also helps you understand the phrase 'das Schaffen von etwas' (the creation of something): 'von' can be used to indicate what is created.
Das Schaffen von neuen Figuren gehört für die Autorin zum spannendsten Teil ihrer Arbeit.
Creating new characters is one of the most exciting parts of the author's work.
Common collocations include 'künstlerisches Schaffen' (artistic work), 'kreatives Schaffen' (creative work), and 'literarisches Schaffen' (literary work). They are often preceded by a possessive word, as in 'ihr künstlerisches Schaffen' (her artistic work).
Das Stipendium gibt ihr Raum für ihr künstlerisches Schaffen.
The scholarship gives her room for her creative work.
Phrases such as 'ein Überblick über das Schaffen' (an overview of the body of work) or 'ein Einblick in das Schaffen' (an insight into the body of work) often refer to the entirety of someone's works. Whose works are meant is often stated in the genitive directly after 'Schaffen'.
Der Bildband gibt einen Einblick in das Schaffen des Fotografen.
The illustrated book provides an insight into the photographer's body of work.
