01
das Ölgemälde
oil painting
A picture painted with oil paints on a painting surface such as canvas, wood, or metal.
example
Im Museum hing ein berühmtes Ölgemälde von Rembrandt.
A famous oil painting by Rembrandt was hanging in the museum.
das Ölgemälde
oil painting
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is a compound made from 'das Öl' (the oil) and 'das Gemälde' (the painting). So it literally describes a painting created with oil paints.
EXAMPLE
Sie kaufte ein kleines Ölgemälde auf dem Flohmarkt.
She bought a small oil painting at the flea market.
Productive word element
The component '-gemälde' (-painting) is productive and can be combined with other painting techniques. This creates words such as 'Aquarellgemälde' (watercolor painting) or 'Acrylgemälde' (acrylic painting).
EXAMPLE
Ihr Lieblingsbild ist ein farbenfrohes Acrylgemälde.
Her favorite picture is a colorful acrylic painting.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with 'Ölgemälde' (oil painting) are 'malen' (to paint), 'betrachten' (to look at/view), 'ausstellen' (to exhibit), 'restaurieren' (to restore), or 'besitzen' (to own).
EXAMPLE
Das Museum stellt mehrere wertvolle Ölgemälde aus dem 17. Jahrhundert aus.
The museum is exhibiting several valuable oil paintings from the 17th century.
Compare with
Ölgemälde vs Bild
picture / image
'das Bild' and 'das Ölgemälde' can both mean a work of art on the wall. But 'Bild' is much more general: it can be a photo, a drawing, a print, or a painting. 'Ölgemälde' is more specific and only means a picture painted with oil paints. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Ölgemälde' is a 'Bild', but not every 'Bild' is an 'Ölgemälde'. If the material or painting technique is important, 'Ölgemälde' fits better. Otherwise, 'Bild' is more natural.
Ölgemälde
Im Museum bleibt Anna lange vor einem großen Ölgemälde stehen.
In the museum, Anna stands for a long time in front of a large oil painting.
Bild
Das Bild im Wohnzimmer zeigt einen alten Hafen.
The picture in the living room shows an old harbor.
In real life
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