copper engraving
Loading your saved state.
copper engraving
A print made using an engraved copper plate; the artwork produced in this way.
An der Wand hing ein alter Kupferstich, der eine Stadtansicht aus dem 17. Jahrhundert zeigte.
An old copper engraving hung on the wall, showing a city view from the 17th century.
This word is made up of 'das Kupfer' (copper) and 'der Stich' (engraving). So it literally describes a 'Stich' (engraving) in a copper plate.
Die Herstellung eines Kupferstichs erfordert großes handwerkliches Geschick.
Making a copper engraving requires great craftsmanship.
You can often recognize the two meanings from the context. If it is about a countable artwork, the print is meant. If it is about an uncountable process, the technique is meant.
Er kaufte auf dem Flohmarkt einen alten Kupferstich.
He bought an old copper engraving at the flea market.
When 'Kupferstich' (copper engraving) is meant as a work of art, it is often combined with verbs such as 'sammeln' (to collect), 'ausstellen' (to exhibit), 'besitzen' (to own), or 'betrachten' (to look at).
Das Museum besitzt eine beeindruckende Sammlung von Kupferstichen.
The museum owns an impressive collection of copper engravings.
sting / stitch
'der Stich' and 'der Kupferstich' are related linguistically, but they are not the same in normal usage. 'der Stich' usually means a small injury or mark caused by something pointed, for example a needle or an insect. 'der Kupferstich' belongs to art: it is a print or a technique in which a drawing is engraved into a copper plate and then printed. Learners may confuse the words because 'Kupferstich' contains the word 'Stich'. But you do not say 'Kupferstich' for a wound. 'Kupferstich' fits for an old graphic artwork or printing technique.
Im Museum hängt ein alter Kupferstich von der Stadt am Fluss.
An old copper engraving of the city by the river hangs in the museum.
Der Stich der Nadel war nur kurz zu spüren.
The prick of the needle could only be felt for a moment.