01
verschwommen
blurred
Not clear or sharp to see; blurry or hazy. Often refers to images, writing, or eyesight.
example
Ohne meine Brille sehe ich alles nur verschwommen.
Without my glasses, I only see everything blurred.
verschwommen
blurred / vague
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Verschwommen' (blurred/vague) is the past participle of the verb 'verschwimmen' (to blur). This verb describes how outlines or colors flow into one another, as if they were 'schwimmen' (swimming). This image helps you understand the meaning 'unscharf' (blurry/out of focus).
EXAMPLE
Die Lichter der Stadt verschwammen in der Ferne zu einem einzigen Leuchten.
The lights of the city blurred in the distance into a single glow.
Context clue
The literal meaning 'unscharf' (blurry/out of focus) is used for things that you see (e.g., a photo, writing). The figurative meaning 'vage' (vague) or 'unklar' (unclear) is used for abstract concepts such as memories, ideas, or feelings.
EXAMPLE
Das Foto ist leider etwas verschwommen.
Unfortunately, the photo is a little blurred.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'verschwommen' (blurred) is often combined with nouns such as 'Bild' (image), 'Foto' (photo), or 'Schrift' (writing). The combination with the verb 'sehen' (to see) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Die Schrift auf dem alten Dokument war ganz verschwommen.
The writing on the old document was completely blurred.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, 'verschwommen' (vague) describes unclear or imprecise mental concepts. Typical combinations are 'eine verschwommene Erinnerung' (a vague memory), 'eine verschwommene Vorstellung' (a vague idea), or 'eine verschwommene Ahnung' (a vague notion).
EXAMPLE
Er hatte nur noch eine verschwommene Vorstellung davon, wie das Haus früher aussah.
He only had a vague idea left of what the house used to look like.
Compare with
verschwommen vs klar
clear
'klar' and 'verschwommen' are opposites when something is easy or difficult to recognize. An image, writing, or view can be 'klar' when you can see everything clearly. 'verschwommen' then means that the shapes are blurred. This contrast also exists with thoughts or memories: a clear idea is precise and understandable, while a vague idea remains imprecise and hard to grasp.
verschwommen
Auf dem alten Foto sind die Gesichter nur verschwommen zu erkennen.
In the old photo, the faces can only be made out indistinctly.
klar
Mit der neuen Brille sehe ich die Schrift wieder klar.
With the new glasses, I can see the writing clearly again.
In real life
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