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
die Leinwand
canvas
A piece of sturdy fabric stretched over a frame, used by artists as a painting surface for paintings.
EXAMPLE
Der Maler trug mit einem breiten Pinsel die erste Farbschicht auf die leere Leinwand auf.
The painter applied the first layer of paint to the empty canvas with a broad brush.
die Leinwand
canvas
A robust, sturdy fabric originally made from linen (flax) and used for sails, tents, or clothing.
EXAMPLE
Für das Zelt wurde eine wasserdichte Leinwand verwendet.
Waterproof canvas was used for the tent.
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 Leinen
linen / canvas
Leinwand and Leinen can both refer to a painting surface. Leinwand usually names the specific painting surface stretched over a frame. With Leinen, the focus is more on the fabric from which the painting surface is made.
Leinwand
Für das neue Gemälde spannt die Künstlerin eine Leinwand auf den Rahmen.
For her new painting, the artist stretches a canvas over the frame.
Leinen
Für das neue Gemälde wählt die Künstlerin feines Leinen als Malgrund.
For her new painting, the artist chooses fine linen as the painting surface.
In real life
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