illustration
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illustration
A picture, drawing, or graphic that accompanies a text in a book, magazine, or other medium in order to explain or decorate it.
Das Kinderbuch ist bekannt für seine wunderschönen Illustrationen.
The children's book is known for its beautiful illustrations.
Words that end in '-tion' are almost always feminine in German (die). This noun belongs to the word family of the verb 'illustrieren' (to illustrate).
Der Autor illustriert seine Bücher selbst.
The author illustrates his books himself.
When the context is books, magazines, or art, it refers to a picture. If, however, someone is talking about a topic or an idea, it means an explanatory illustration.
Die Illustrationen in diesem Kinderbuch sind wirklich zauberhaft.
The illustrations in this children's book are truly magical.
In connection with pictures, 'Illustration' (illustration) is often combined with verbs such as 'anfertigen' (to produce), 'erstellen' (to create), or 'zeichnen' (to draw). Typical adjectives are 'farbig' (colorful), 'detailliert' (detailed), or 'ganzseitig' (full-page).
Eine Künstlerin wurde beauftragt, die Illustrationen für das Cover anzufertigen.
An artist was commissioned to produce the illustrations for the cover.
In the abstract meaning, the word is often used in the fixed phrase 'zur Illustration dienen' (to serve as an illustration). It describes how an example clarifies a complex matter.
Dieses Beispiel soll nur zur Illustration der Theorie dienen.
This example is only meant to serve as an illustration of the theory.
picture / image
'das Bild' and 'die Illustration' can both be something visual. 'Bild' is the general word for photos, drawings, or paintings. 'Illustration' is used especially when a drawing, graphic, or picture accompanies, explains, or decorates a text. In a children's book, a magazine, or a manual, 'Illustration' often sounds more precise. The words can be confused because an illustration is also a picture. If you are only talking about the representation itself, 'Bild' fits; if it belongs to a text, 'Illustration' fits better.
Die Illustration im Kinderbuch zeigt einen Fuchs im Schnee.
The illustration in the children's book shows a fox in the snow.
Zur Sicherheit speichere ich das Bild auch auf meinem Laptop.
To be safe, I also save the picture on my laptop.