01
die Leinwand
screen
The large white surface in a cinema onto which films are projected.
example
Der Film kommt nächste Woche auf die große Leinwand.
The film comes to the big screen next week.
die Leinwand
screen / canvas
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
'Leinwand' consists of 'Lein' (linen, a fabric made from the flax plant) and 'Wand' (wall). Originally, then, it was a 'wall made of linen fabric.' This origin explains the different meanings, all of which have to do with a kind of fabric surface.
EXAMPLE
Früher wurden Segel für Schiffe aus robuster Leinwand gefertigt.
In the past, sails for ships were made from robust canvas.
Context clues
The meaning of 'Leinwand' (screen/canvas) is usually clear from the context. Words like 'Kino' (cinema) or 'Film' (film/movie) point to the projection screen, 'Maler' (painter) or 'Farbe' (paint/color) to the painting surface, and 'Stoff' (fabric) or 'Zelt' (tent) to the material.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler spannte eine neue Leinwand auf seinen Rahmen.
The artist stretched a new canvas onto his frame.
Typical collocations
In a cinema context, 'Leinwand' (screen) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' (on). Fixed expressions are 'ein Film kommt auf die Leinwand' (a film comes to the screen / is released) or 'einen Star auf der Leinwand sehen' (to see a star on the screen).
EXAMPLE
Viele Fans freuen sich darauf, ihren Lieblingsschauspieler wieder auf der Leinwand zu sehen.
Many fans are looking forward to seeing their favorite actor on the screen again.
Compare with
Leinwand vs Bildschirm
screen
'der Bildschirm' and 'die Leinwand' can both be surfaces on which you see images. The important difference is the technology: a 'Bildschirm' belongs to an electronic device and lights up itself, for example on a computer, television, or mobile phone. A 'Leinwand' is a surface onto which an image is projected, such as in a cinema, or a fabric used for a painting. The words can be confused because both have to do with films or images. For devices, you say 'Bildschirm'; for the cinema, a projector, or painting, you say 'Leinwand'.
Leinwand
Im Kino war die Leinwand so groß, dass alle den Film gut sehen konnten.
In the cinema, the screen was so big that everyone could see the film well.
Bildschirm
Nach zwei Stunden am Bildschirm tun mir die Augen weh.
After two hours at the screen, my eyes hurt.
In real life
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