01
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
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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
'die Nummer' and 'der Sketch' can both be part of a performance. 'die Nummer' is more general and means an individual act, for example dance, music, acrobatics, or comedy. 'der Sketch' is more specific: it is a short, funny scene with a small plot. Learners may confuse the words because a sketch in a show can also be an act. But not every act is a sketch. When you mean a funny acted-out scene, 'Sketch' is more precise.
Sketch
In der Pause üben wir einen kurzen Sketch für den Elternabend.
During the break, we are practicing a short sketch for parents' evening.
Nummer
Bei der Schulfeier kommt unsere Nummer direkt nach dem Lied der Klasse 8.
At the school celebration, our act comes right after the song by class 8.
In real life
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