sketch
die Skizze, die Skizzen
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sketch
A quick, simple drawing that shows only the most important features of something and does not go into detail.
Der Architekt fertigte eine erste Skizze des geplanten Gebäudes an.
The architect made an initial sketch of the planned building.
outline
A short, rough draft or outline for a text, project, or idea.
Bevor ich den Bericht schreibe, mache ich immer eine kurze Skizze der wichtigsten Punkte.
Before I write the report, I always make a brief outline of the most important points.
sketch
A short, often humorous scene in a play or television show.
Die Kabarettgruppe führte eine Reihe von satirischen Skizzen zum politischen Geschehen auf.
The cabaret group performed a series of satirical sketches about current political events.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Skizzen |
| genitive | der Skizze |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Skizze | die Skizzen |
| accusative | die Skizze | die Skizzen |
| dative | der Skizze | den Skizzen |
| genitive | der Skizze | der Skizzen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The noun 'die Skizze' (sketch/outline) belongs to the verb 'skizzieren' (to sketch/outline). When you make a sketch, you 'skizzierst' something. Both words share the idea of a quick, rough draft.
Kannst du mir kurz skizzieren, wie wir zu dem Haus kommen?
Can you briefly outline how we get to the house?
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. In connection with art or drawing, it refers to a picture. With texts or plans, it means a rough draft. In theater or television, it refers to a short, funny scene.
Der Künstler zeigte mir seine Skizzen für das neue Gemälde.
The artist showed me his sketches for the new painting.
Ich habe nur eine grobe Skizze für meinen Vortrag, keine Details.
I only have a rough outline for my presentation, no details.
Die Comedyshow besteht aus mehreren kurzen Skizzen.
The comedy show consists of several short sketches.
When referring to a drawing, the verbs 'anfertigen' (to produce/make), 'machen' (to make), or 'zeichnen' (to draw) are often used. 'Anfertigen' is somewhat more formal than 'machen'.
Der Designer hat schnell eine Skizze von dem Kleid gezeichnet.
The designer quickly drew a sketch of the dress.
In the meaning 'Entwurf' (draft/outline), 'Skizze' often appears with a preposition that explains the purpose. Typical phrases are 'eine Skizze für einen Roman' (an outline for a novel), 'eine Skizze eines Projekts' (an outline of a project), or 'eine Skizze der Handlung' (an outline of the plot).
Er hat eine erste Skizze für seine Rede auf eine Serviette geschrieben.
He wrote an initial outline for his speech on a napkin.
In the context of theater or television, 'Skizze' (sketch) is often combined with verbs such as 'aufführen' (to perform), 'spielen' (to act/perform), or 'zeigen' (to show). Common adjectives are 'lustig' (funny) or 'satirisch' (satirical).
Die Schüler führten beim Schulfest eine lustige Skizze auf.
The students performed a funny sketch at the school festival.
study
In the arts, both words can refer to a work that is not yet final. A Studie usually examines or develops a detail more closely, while a Skizze (sketch) mainly captures the most important features quickly and simply. Studie is more suitable for a more detailed study of a particular aspect, while Skizze is better for a rough first draft.
Die Malerin zeichnete eine schnelle Skizze der Hände für ihr Bild.
The painter drew a quick sketch of the hands for her painting.
Die Malerin fertigte eine Studie der Hände an, bevor sie das Bild begann.
The painter made a study of the hands before starting the painting.
