Dictionary
English - German
Describe
dəˈskraɪb
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
beschreiben, schildern, darstellen, erklären
Describe meanings in German
beschreiben
Example:
Can you describe the suspect to the police?
Kannst du den Verdächtigen der Polizei beschreiben?
She described the scenery in great detail.
Sie beschrieb die Landschaft sehr detailliert.
Usage: neutralContext: General conversations, formal and informal settings
Note: This is the most common translation of 'describe' in Deutsch.
schildern
Example:
He described his journey vividly.
Er schilderte seine Reise anschaulich.
I can't really describe how I feel right now.
Ich kann nicht wirklich beschreiben, wie ich mich gerade fühle.
Usage: formalContext: Literary contexts, storytelling, formal writing
Note: This translation is often used in more formal contexts or when emphasizing vivid storytelling.
darstellen
Example:
The report describes the current situation accurately.
Der Bericht stellt die aktuelle Situation genau dar.
The painting beautifully describes the artist's emotions.
Das Gemälde beschreibt auf wunderbare Weise die Emotionen des Künstlers.
Usage: formalContext: Academic writing, technical descriptions, precise explanations
Note: This translation is often used in technical or academic contexts where accuracy and precision are important.
erklären
Example:
Could you describe how the machine works?
Könntest du erklären, wie die Maschine funktioniert?
The teacher described the concept clearly to the students.
Der Lehrer erklärte den Schülern das Konzept klar.
Usage: neutralContext: Teaching, technical explanations, simple descriptions
Note: This translation is used when explaining or clarifying something to others.
Describe's synonyms
depict
To depict means to show or represent something in a picture or story.
Example: The artist depicted a beautiful sunset in her painting.
Note: Depict is more commonly used in the context of visual representation, while describe is more general.
portray
To portray means to depict or represent someone or something in a particular way.
Example: The author portrayed the protagonist as a brave and determined character.
Note: Portray often implies a specific perspective or characterization, while describe is more about providing details or information.
characterize
To characterize means to describe the distinctive features or qualities of someone or something.
Example: The novel characterizes the struggles of immigrants in a new country.
Note: Characterize focuses on highlighting specific traits or qualities, while describe is more about providing an overall account.
outline
To outline means to give a brief summary or overview of something.
Example: The teacher asked the students to outline the main points of the lesson.
Note: Outline is more concise and focused on key points, while describe is more detailed and comprehensive.
Describe expressions, common phrases
Paint a picture
To describe something in a detailed and vivid manner to help others visualize or understand it better.
Example: She painted a vivid picture of her vacation in Italy.
Note: This phrase emphasizes creating a visual image through description.
Put into words
To describe or explain something using language or expressions.
Example: It's hard to put into words how grateful I am for your help.
Note: This phrase highlights the act of verbalizing descriptions.
Tell me about
To request information or a description of a specific topic or event.
Example: Can you tell me about your trip to Japan?
Note: This phrase is a direct request for a description of something.
Give me the lowdown
To provide a detailed description or explanation of a situation or event.
Example: Can you give me the lowdown on what happened at the meeting?
Note: This informal phrase implies a thorough and concise description.
Break it down
To explain or describe something in simpler or more detailed parts.
Example: Could you break down the process for me step by step?
Note: This phrase suggests breaking a description into easily understandable components.
Get the gist
To understand the main point or essence of something without needing a detailed description.
Example: I didn't catch all the details, but I got the gist of what she was saying.
Note: This phrase focuses on grasping the core idea without requiring a full description.
Put it in a nutshell
To summarize or describe something concisely in a few words or sentences.
Example: Can you put the main points of the report in a nutshell for me?
Note: This phrase emphasizes brevity in description, capturing key points succinctly.
Give me a rundown
To provide a brief summary or description of a list of items or events.
Example: Could you give me a quick rundown of what's on the agenda for the meeting?
Note: This phrase suggests a quick and summarized description of multiple points or topics.
Spell it out
To explain or describe something in a clear and detailed manner.
Example: I need you to spell out the guidelines for me clearly.
Note: This phrase emphasizes clarity and explicitness in descriptions.
Describe everyday (slang) expressions
Put it in layman's terms
This phrase means to explain something complex or technical in simple, easy-to-understand language that a non-expert can comprehend.
Example: Can you put that scientific jargon in layman's terms for me?
Note: The original word 'describe' is more formal, while 'put it in layman's terms' is informal and approachable.
Break it down for me
To break something down means to explain it in smaller or simpler parts to aid understanding.
Example: Could you break down the plot of the movie for me?
Note: While 'describe' is a general term for explaining something, 'break it down' specifically indicates dissecting the information.
Give me the scoop
To give someone the scoop means to provide them with all the latest and most important information or details about a specific topic.
Example: What's the scoop on the new restaurant in town?
Note: Unlike 'describe,' which is a neutral term for explanation, 'give me the scoop' implies sharing insider or exclusive information.
Hit me with the details
This expression is a way to request a thorough explanation or account of specific information or events.
Example: I need you to hit me with the details of how the project went.
Note: While 'describe' is a standard term for explaining, 'hit me with the details' emphasizes a strong desire for in-depth information.
Spell it out for me
To spell something out means to explain it very clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or misunderstanding.
Example: I'm not following, can you spell it out for me?
Note: In contrast to 'describe,' which is a general term for explanation, 'spell it out for me' indicates a need for explicit and unambiguous explanation.
Describe - Examples
Describe the picture for me.
Beschreibe mir das Bild.
Can you describe your job to me?
Kannst du mir deinen Job beschreiben?
Please describe the suspect to the police.
Bitte beschreibe den Verdächtigen der Polizei.
Describe grammar
Describe - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: describe
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): described
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): describing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): describes
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): describe
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): describe
Syllables, Separation and Stress
describe Contains 2 syllables: de • scribe
Phonetic transcription: di-ˈskrīb
de scribe , di ˈskrīb (The red syllable is stressed)
Describe - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
describe: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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