01
gemeißelt
chiseled
Worked out of a hard material such as stone or wood using a chisel.
example
Die Inschrift wurde sorgfältig in den Marmor gemeißelt.
The inscription was carefully chiseled into the marble.
gemeisselt
chiseled
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Gemeißelt' (chiseled) is the past participle of the verb 'meißeln' (to chisel). Like many participles in German, it can be used directly as an adjective before a noun or after verbs such as 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to appear/seem).
EXAMPLE
Die Statue hat ein fein gemeißeltes Gesicht.
The statue has a finely chiseled face.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'in Stein gemeißelt sein' (to be set in stone) means that something is final and unchangeable. It is very often used in the negative to express that plans or rules are still flexible.
EXAMPLE
Unsere Reisepläne sind noch nicht in Stein gemeißelt.
Our travel plans are not yet set in stone.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'gemeißelt' (chiseled) is often combined with materials such as stone, wood, or marble. Typical objects are inscriptions, statues, or ornaments.
EXAMPLE
Die Namen der Gefallenen sind in den Stein gemeißelt.
The names of the fallen are chiseled into the stone.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'gemeißelt' (chiseled) describes very striking, clearly defined facial features or a muscular body. It creates the image of a perfectly shaped sculpture.
EXAMPLE
Der Schauspieler ist bekannt für seine wie gemeißelt wirkenden Gesichtszüge.
The actor is known for his facial features that look chiseled.
Compare with
gemeisselt vs endgültig
final
'endgültig' and 'in Stein gemeißelt' (set in stone) can both mean that something is fixed and will no longer be changed. 'endgültig' is the normal, direct word for a final decision. 'in Stein gemeißelt' is a figurative expression and sounds stronger or more vivid. It is also often used in the negative, for example 'Das ist nicht in Stein gemeißelt' (That is not set in stone), when something can still be changed. For neutral statements, 'endgültig' fits better; for figurative emphasis, 'in Stein gemeißelt' fits well.
gemeisselt
Der Zeitplan ist noch nicht in Stein gemeißelt.
The schedule is not set in stone yet.
endgültig
Sie hat den Vertrag gestern endgültig unterschrieben.
She finally signed the contract yesterday.
In real life
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