01
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
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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 Form
form / shape
'die Form' and 'der Umriss' both have to do with the appearance of an object or figure. 'die Form' means the whole outer shape, that is, what something looks like overall: round, angular, long, or narrow. 'der Umriss' more specifically means only the outer line that defines this shape. Learners may confuse the words because you can often recognize the shape from an outline. In practical terms: the Form is the whole appearance, while the Umriss is the line around the outside.
Umriss
Im Nebel sah man nur den Umriss des alten Hauses.
In the fog, you could only see the outline of the old house.
Form
Diese Vase hat eine ungewöhnliche Form, weil sie oben sehr schmal ist.
This vase has an unusual shape because it is very narrow at the top.
In real life
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