to describe
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to describe
To describe or recount something in detail and vividly.
Der Augenzeuge konnte der Polizei den Unfallhergang genau schildern.
The eyewitness was able to describe the course of the accident to the police in detail.
The word 'schildern' (to describe) is related to 'das Schild' (the sign/shield). Originally, shields were painted with pictures and scenes. This origin explains why 'schildern' means not just 'beschreiben' (to describe), but 'to describe vividly and in detail.'
In ihrem Buch schildert die Autorin ihre Kindheit auf dem Land.
In her book, the author describes her childhood in the countryside.
'Schildern' (to describe) is a written-language word and is often used in formal or literary contexts. It sounds more refined than the everyday word 'beschreiben' (to describe).
In seinem Bericht schilderte der Forscher die Entdeckungen seiner Expedition.
In his report, the researcher described the discoveries from his expedition.
The verb 'schildern' (to describe) is often used with a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative. The structure is: someone (subject) describes something (accusative) to someone (dative).
Kannst du mir deine Eindrücke von der Reise schildern?
Can you describe your impressions of the trip to me?
Abstract things are often described with 'schildern' (to describe). Typical combinations are: 'Eindrücke schildern' (to describe impressions), 'Erlebnisse schildern' (to describe experiences), 'die Lage schildern' (to describe the situation), or 'einen Vorfall schildern' (to describe an incident).
Die Zeugin schilderte den Vorfall sehr emotional.
The witness described the incident very emotionally.
to tell
'erzählen' and 'schildern' can both mean that you talk about an event or experience. 'erzählen' is more general and very common in everyday language. You can 'erzählen' briefly or at length. 'schildern' means that you describe something more precisely, in more detail, and more vividly, so that others can imagine the situation well. The words can be confused because both fit when reporting something. However, 'schildern' is more precise when details, impressions, or an exact sequence of events are important.
Die Zeugin schildert der Polizei genau, wie der Unfall passiert ist.
The witness describes to the police exactly how the accident happened.
Sie hat erzählt, dass sie am Montag im Park einen alten Freund getroffen hat.
She said that she met an old friend in the park on Monday.