der Sketch
sketch
A short, funny scene that is often performed as part of a theater performance or a television show.
EXAMPLE
Die Comedyshow bestand aus mehreren lustigen Sketchen.
The comedy show consisted of several funny sketches.
der Sketch
sketch
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Meanings
der Sketch
sketch
A quick, simple drawing or sketch that serves as a draft or study.
EXAMPLE
Der Designer fertigte einen ersten Sketch des neuen Logos an.
The designer made an initial sketch of the new logo.
Usage tips
English loanword
'Sketch' is a word from English and is pronounced similarly in German. It has kept both of its English meanings: a short scene and a quick drawing.
EXAMPLE
Sein Sketch über den Alltag im Büro war sehr treffend.
His sketch about everyday office life was very apt.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether a funny scene or a drawing is meant. Words like 'aufführen' (to perform), 'Show' (show), or 'lustig' (funny) point to the theater scene, while 'zeichnen' (to draw), 'Designer' (designer), or 'Entwurf' (draft) indicate the drawing.
EXAMPLE
Die Schauspieler probten einen neuen Sketch für die Abendshow.
The actors rehearsed a new sketch for the evening show.
Typical verbs
When it is about a funny scene, a sketch is often 'aufgeführt' (performed), 'gezeigt' (shown), or 'gespielt' (acted/performed). You can also 'einen Sketch schreiben' (write a sketch).
EXAMPLE
In der Sendung werden jede Woche mehrere Sketche aufgeführt.
Several sketches are performed on the show every week.
Typical verbs
When a drawing is meant, a sketch is often 'angefertigt' (made/produced), 'gezeichnet' (drawn), or 'gemacht' (made). It often serves as an 'erster Entwurf' (initial draft).
EXAMPLE
Die Künstlerin hat schnell einen Sketch von der Landschaft angefertigt.
The artist quickly made a sketch of the landscape.
Compare with
Sketch vs Nummer
number
Nummer and Sketch can refer to a short comic stage performance. Nummer views it as an individual item in the program, while Sketch more specifically refers to the short acted scene. Nummer is appropriate when referring to the running order of a show, while Sketch refers to the form and content of the scene.
Sketch
Der komische Sketch zeigt ein chaotisches Gespräch im Restaurant.
The comic sketch shows a chaotic conversation in a restaurant.
Nummer
Die komische Nummer steht direkt nach der Pause im Programm.
The comedy act is scheduled immediately after the intermission.
In real life
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