vivid / three-dimensional / plastic
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vivid
Presented or described in a very clear, lively, and detailed way, so that you can imagine it well.
Sie beschrieb die Situation so plastisch, dass ich das Gefühl hatte, selbst dabei gewesen zu sein.
She described the situation so vividly that I felt as if I had been there myself.
sculptural
Relating to the visual arts, especially sculpture; spatial, three-dimensional, formed or modeled.
Die Ausstellung zeigt vor allem plastische Arbeiten aus Holz und Stein.
The exhibition mainly shows sculptural works made of wood and stone.
plastic
The property of a material being moldable and retaining the new shape after deformation.
Ton ist ein Material, das in feuchtem Zustand sehr plastisch ist.
Clay is a material that is very plastic when moist.
plastic
In a medical context, relating to the restoration of body forms or functions, usually through surgery.
Nach dem schweren Unfall war ein plastischer Eingriff an der Nase notwendig.
After the serious accident, plastic surgery on the nose was necessary.
'Plastisch' is a false friend of the English word 'plastic'. While 'plastic' usually refers to the material, 'plastisch' in German means moldable, three-dimensional, or very vivid.
Seine Beschreibung war so plastisch, dass ich mir alles genau vorstellen konnte.
His description was so vivid that I could imagine everything clearly.
All meanings of 'plastisch' have to do with the idea of 'Formen' (shaping) or 'Gestalten' (designing). It can refer to shaping art (sculpture), material (clay), or even thoughts (a vivid description).
Ton ist ein plastisches Material, das Künstler gerne zum Formen von Skulpturen verwenden.
Clay is a plastic material that artists like to use for shaping sculptures.
The context reveals the meaning: in connection with 'beschreiben' (to describe) or 'erzählen' (to tell), it means 'anschaulich' (vivid). In the context of 'Kunst' (art) or 'Figur' (figure), it means 'dreidimensional' (three-dimensional). With 'Chirurgie' (surgery) or 'Eingriff' (procedure), the medical meaning is intended.
Die plastische Chirurgie kann nach Unfällen helfen, das Aussehen wiederherzustellen.
Plastic surgery can help restore appearance after accidents.
In the meaning 'anschaulich' (vivid), 'plastisch' is very often used with verbs of explaining and presenting. Typical combinations are 'plastisch beschreiben' (to describe vividly), 'plastisch darstellen' (to present vividly), or 'plastisch schildern' (to describe vividly).
Der Zeuge konnte den Tathergang sehr plastisch beschreiben.
The witness was able to describe the sequence of events very vividly.
In the medical field, the combination 'plastische Chirurgie' (plastic surgery) is a fixed and very common phrase. It refers to the medical specialty concerned with the restoration of body forms.
Sie arbeitet als Ärztin in der Abteilung für plastische Chirurgie.
She works as a doctor in the department of plastic surgery.
clear / vivid
Anschaulich and plastisch both describe a presentation that is easy to imagine. Plastisch, however, emphasizes a particularly vivid, concrete, and detailed effect, while anschaulich more generally highlights understandability. Use anschaulich for clear explanations and plastisch for particularly striking descriptions.
Der Autor beschreibt den Aufbau des Herzens in seinem Buch sehr plastisch und detailreich.
In his book, the author describes the structure of the heart in a very vivid and detailed way.
Die Lehrerin erklärt den Aufbau des Herzens mit einer anschaulichen Zeichnung.
The teacher explains the structure of the heart with a clear drawing.
