frieze / frieze cloth
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frieze
A long, narrow, often painted or sculpted decorative band on walls, ceilings, or the facade of buildings.
Unter der Decke des Saals verlief ein prachtvoller Fries mit mythologischen Szenen.
A magnificent frieze with mythological scenes ran beneath the ceiling of the hall.
The word 'Fries' (frieze / frieze cloth) has two very different meanings. The context makes clear what is meant: If it is about architecture, walls, or buildings, it refers to the decorative band. If it is about clothing, fabric, or history, it refers to the woolen fabric.
Der Fries an der antiken Tempelfassade war beeindruckend.
The frieze on the ancient temple facade was impressive.
In the architectural meaning, 'Fries' (frieze) is often used with prepositions that describe a position on a vertical or horizontal surface. Typical phrases are 'an der Wand' (on the wall), 'an der Fassade' (on the facade), or 'unter der Decke' (beneath the ceiling).
An der Wand über dem Kamin war ein bemalter Fries angebracht.
A painted frieze was mounted on the wall above the fireplace.
Common verbs used with the architectural 'Fries' (frieze) are 'verlaufen' (to run), 'sich erstrecken' (to extend), 'zieren' (to adorn), or 'schmücken' (to decorate).
Ein schmaler Fries aus Gold verläuft entlang der Deckenkante.
A narrow frieze of gold runs along the edge of the ceiling.
The meaning as a woolen fabric is very rare today and is mainly used in historical or technical contexts, for example when talking about textiles or the history of fashion.
Im Museum für Textilgeschichte kann man alten Fries sehen.
In the museum of textile history, you can see old frieze cloth.
relief
'das Relief' and 'der Fries' can both describe decoration on buildings or walls. A relief is a three-dimensional representation: figures or patterns project from a surface but remain attached to it. A frieze, on the other hand, is a long, narrow decorative band, for example near the top of a wall or on a facade. A frieze can be painted or can also contain reliefs. The words can be confused because both occur in art and architecture. A practical way to remember it is: 'Relief' describes the type of representation, while 'Fries' describes more the shape and position as a long band.
Unter dem Dach der alten Villa verläuft ein Fries mit kleinen Blumenmustern.
A frieze with small floral patterns runs beneath the roof of the old villa.
Im Museum betrachtet Lena ein Relief mit Pferden und alten Kriegern.
In the museum, Lena looks at a relief with horses and ancient warriors.