umrahmen
to frame
To put a frame around something, especially a picture or photo.
EXAMPLE
Sie ließ das alte Familienfoto neu umrahmen.
She had the old family photo reframed.
umrahmen
to frame
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Meanings
umrahmen
to frame / surround
To surround or enclose something like a kind of frame.
EXAMPLE
Hohe Bäume umrahmen die idyllische Lichtung im Wald.
Tall trees frame the idyllic clearing in the forest.
umrahmen
to provide a setting
To give an event or occasion a suitable, often festive or artistic setting.
EXAMPLE
Musikalische Beiträge umrahmten die Preisverleihung.
Musical contributions provided the setting for the award ceremony.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Umrahmen' (to frame) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'um-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms because it is unstressed (um-RAH-men).
EXAMPLE
Ein schöner Garten umrahmt das Haus.
A beautiful garden frames the house.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'um' (around) and 'Rahmen' (frame). The literal meaning, 'to make a frame around something,' is also transferred to abstract situations.
EXAMPLE
Dunkle Locken umrahmten ihr Gesicht.
Dark curls framed her face.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the exact meaning. If it is a picture, the literal meaning is intended. With places or faces, it refers to a border or outline. With events, it refers to the festive setting.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte dieses Foto umrahmen lassen.
I would like to have this photo framed.
Typical collocations
When talking about events, the action is often carried out by abstract things. Typical examples are 'musikalische Beiträge' (musical contributions), 'ein festliches Programm' (a festive program), or 'künstlerische Darbietungen' (artistic performances) that 'umrahmen' (provide a setting for) something.
EXAMPLE
Ein Chor umrahmte den Gottesdienst musikalisch.
A choir provided musical accompaniment for the church service.
Compare with
umrahmen vs begleiten
to accompany
Music begleitet when it directly supports a piece of music or the singing. Music umrahmt a celebration when it contributes to the appropriate, festive overall setting. Untermalen? No, umrahmen therefore describes the design of the entire event, while begleiten is the better choice for working together with a singer.
umrahmen
Beim Hochzeitsfest umrahmt ein Streichquartett die Feier musikalisch.
At the wedding celebration, a string quartet provides the musical setting.
begleiten
Beim Hochzeitsfest begleitet die Pianistin den Sänger.
At the wedding celebration, the pianist accompanies the singer.
In real life
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