inscription
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inscription
A text that is engraved, carved, or otherwise permanently applied to a hard surface such as stone, metal, or wood.
Die Inschrift auf dem alten Grabstein war kaum noch zu entziffern.
The inscription on the old gravestone was barely decipherable anymore.
The word is made up of 'in' (in the sense of 'into') and 'Schrift' (writing). So it literally describes writing that is worked into a material.
Die Goldschmiedin brachte eine kleine Inschrift im Inneren des Rings an.
The goldsmith added a small inscription inside the ring.
To indicate the location of the inscription, you use the preposition 'auf' with the dative. For example: the inscription 'auf dem Stein' (on the stone), 'auf der Tafel' (on the plaque/board), or 'auf der Münze' (on the coin).
Auf der alten Glocke befindet sich eine lateinische Inschrift.
There is a Latin inscription on the old bell.
Common verbs in connection with 'Inschrift' (inscription) are 'entziffern' (to decipher, when it is hard to read), 'lesen' (to read), 'anbringen' (to add/attach), or 'entdecken' (to discover).
Archäologen versuchen, die Inschrift auf der Tontafel zu entziffern.
Archaeologists are trying to decipher the inscription on the clay tablet.
inscription / label
'Inschrift' and 'Aufschrift' both refer to text on an object or a surface. 'Inschrift' is used more when the text is permanently engraved or carved into stone, metal, or wood, for example on a monument. 'Aufschrift' is more general and everyday: it can be printed, written, or attached, for example on a sign, packaging, or a building. The words can be confused because both refer to visible texts. As a guide: an 'Inschrift' feels fixed and permanent, while an 'Aufschrift' usually gives information on something.
Auf dem alten Grabstein kann man die Inschrift kaum noch lesen.
On the old gravestone, you can hardly read the inscription anymore.
Die Aufschrift auf der Flasche war so klein, dass Maria eine Brille brauchte.
The label on the bottle was so small that Maria needed glasses.