description
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description / account
A detailed and vivid description or account of events, experiences, or impressions.
Seine eindrückliche Schilderung der Reise hat uns alle tief bewegt.
His impressive account of the trip deeply moved us all.
'Die Schilderung' (the description/account) is the noun related to the verb 'schildern' (to describe). The ending '-ung' turns the activity of describing (schildern) into the result (die Schilderung).
Er schilderte die Ereignisse des Abends.
He described the events of the evening.
The word comes from 'Schild' (shield/weapon). In the past, shields were painted. So 'schildern' originally meant 'to depict pictorially', from which the modern meaning 'to describe vividly' developed.
Die Autorin ist bekannt für ihre genauen Schilderungen von Landschaften.
The author is known for her precise descriptions of landscapes.
'Schilderung' (description/account) is often combined with adjectives that evaluate the quality of the description. Common ones are 'lebhafte' (vivid), 'eindrückliche' (impressive), 'detaillierte' (detailed), or 'persönliche' (personal) Schilderung.
Ihre lebhafte Schilderung des Festes machte uns neugierig.
Her vivid description of the festival made us curious.
To say what is being described, German usually uses the genitive or a prepositional construction with 'von' (of/about). The genitive is often more stylistically elegant.
Die Schilderung des Zeugen war entscheidend für den Prozess.
The witness's account was crucial for the trial.
report
'der Bericht' and 'die Schilderung' can both tell or describe what happened. A 'Bericht' tends to remain factual and organizes the facts clearly. A 'Schilderung' is often more vivid and personal. It shows more impressions, feelings, or details of a situation. The words can be confused when someone describes an event. If precise facts are important, 'Bericht' is more suitable. If the situation is told vividly and with many impressions, 'Schilderung' sounds more natural.
Seine Schilderung der Reise ist so lebendig, dass alle aufmerksam zuhören.
His account of the trip is so vivid that everyone listens attentively.
Meine Freundin gibt dem Chef morgen einen Bericht über die Arbeit in der Werkstatt.
Tomorrow my friend will give the boss a report on the work in the workshop.