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
in Stein gemeißelt
set in stone
A fixed expression meaning that something is final, unchangeable, or firmly established.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeitplan ist nur ein erster Entwurf und noch nicht in Stein gemeißelt.
The schedule is only a first draft and is not yet set in stone.
gemeißelt
chiseled
Used figuratively to describe sharply defined and striking facial features or a very muscular body.
EXAMPLE
Der Held im Film hatte ein wie gemeißelt wirkendes Gesicht.
The hero in the film had a face that looked chiseled.
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 definiert
defined
Definiert and gemeisselt can describe a body with clearly visible muscles. Definiert is the usual matter-of-fact description of muscle definition. Gemeisselt is figurative and emphasizes a particularly striking, aesthetically impressive body, as if it had been shaped from a hard material.
gemeisselt
Auf dem Werbeplakat wirkt sein muskulöser Oberkörper wie gemeisselt.
His muscular upper body looks chiseled on the advertising poster.
definiert
Durch regelmäßiges Training wirkt sein Oberkörper schlank und definiert.
Regular training has given his upper body a slim, defined appearance.
In real life
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