der Umriss
outline
The outer line that traces the shape of a figure or object.
EXAMPLE
Im Nebel konnte man nur den Umriss des Hauses erkennen.
In the fog, you could only make out the outline of the house.
der Umriss
outline
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Meanings
der Umriss
outline
A brief, general summary or sketch of the essential aspects of a plan, idea, or topic.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir einen kurzen Umriss des Projekts geben?
Can you give me a brief outline of the project?
Usage tips
Compound word
'Umriss' (outline) consists of the prefix 'um' (around) and 'Riss', which comes from the verb 'reißen' in its old meaning 'to draw'. So it literally describes a line drawn around something.
EXAMPLE
Sie zeichnete den Umriss der Katze auf ein Blatt Papier.
She drew the outline of the cat on a sheet of paper.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'Umriss' (outline) is often combined with verbs of seeing. Typical phrases are 'die Umrisse von etwas erkennen' (to make out the outlines of something) or 'nur die Umrisse sehen' (to see only the outlines), especially in fog or darkness.
EXAMPLE
In der Dämmerung konnte ich nur noch die Umrisse der Berge erkennen.
In the twilight, I could only make out the outlines of the mountains.
Fixed expression
In the figurative meaning 'summary', 'Umriss' (outline) is often used in the fixed expression 'in groben Umrissen' (in broad outline). It means that you describe something only generally and without details.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef erklärte den neuen Plan zunächst nur in groben Umrissen.
At first, the boss explained the new plan only in broad outline.
Compare with
Umriss vs Überblick
overview / view
Überblick and Umriss can both present the main points of a topic. An Überblick provides an orienting overall picture. An Umriss gives only the essential structure and leaves the details open. Umriss is therefore a better fit for the first rough sketch of a plan.
Umriss
Das erste Dokument zeigt nur den groben Umriss des geplanten Umbaus.
The first document shows only the rough outline of the planned renovation.
Überblick
Das Dokument gibt einen Überblick über den geplanten Umbau und seine Kosten.
The document provides an overview of the planned renovation and its costs.
In real life
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