to paraphrase / rewrite / transfer
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to paraphrase
To describe or explain something in other words, often in order to avoid a difficult word or to name something indirectly. The verb is inseparable.
Kannst du das Wort 'komplex' umschreiben? Ich verstehe es nicht.
Can you paraphrase the word 'complex'? I don't understand it.
This verb has a different meaning depending on separability. 'Umschreiben' (inseparable, stress on 'schrei') means 'to explain in other words'. 'Umschreiben' (separable, stress on 'um') means 'to rewrite' or 'to transfer officially'.
Er umschreibt das Konzept, damit alle es verstehen.
He paraphrases the concept so that everyone understands it.
Separability changes the sentence structure. With the separable variant, the prefix 'um' moves to the end of the main clause. With the inseparable variant, the verb always stays together.
Ich schreibe den Vertrag morgen um. (trennbar)
I will rewrite the contract tomorrow. (separable)
When it comes to changing an owner, the construction 'etwas auf jemanden umschreiben lassen' (to have something transferred into someone's name) is often used. The 'lassen' indicates that you arrange for this official act to be done at an authority.
Wir müssen das Haus noch auf meinen Namen umschreiben lassen.
We still have to have the house transferred into my name.
The inseparable form 'umschreiben' (to paraphrase) is often used to explain an unknown word or when you want to avoid a direct word. It is a useful strategy when speaking.
Ich weiß das deutsche Wort nicht, aber ich kann es umschreiben: Es ist ein Tier mit einem sehr langen Hals.
I don't know the German word, but I can paraphrase it: It is an animal with a very long neck.
to explain / declare
'erklären' and 'umschreiben' can both help someone understand something. 'erklären' means making a situation or topic understandable directly, often with reasons, examples, or steps. Here, 'umschreiben' means saying something in other words, for example because you do not know the exact word or because the word is too difficult. The words can be confused when you want to make a difficult word understandable. 'erklären' is more direct and broader; 'umschreiben' emphasizes the different wording.
Wenn ich das deutsche Wort nicht kenne, umschreibe ich es mit einfachen Sätzen.
When I do not know the German word, I paraphrase it using simple sentences.
Anna erklärt ihrer Freundin die Aufgabe, weil sie morgen eine Prüfung schreibt.
Anna explains the assignment to her friend because she has an exam tomorrow.