Wischformen

Wischformen is a German compound noun that literally translates to “forms of wiping.” In German technical usage it denotes various patterns or modalities of wiping, swiping or sliding content, depending on the field. It is not a single standardized concept, but a term that appears in different domains to describe domain-specific wipe or swipe behavior.

In film and video editing, Wischformen describe wipe transitions. These are effects in which one image is replaced by another by sliding a boundary across the frame. Common forms include horizontal, vertical and diagonal wipes, with variations that push, slide or sweep the image in different directions. Wipe forms are typically discussed alongside cuts and dissolves as methods of transitioning between shots.

In human–computer interaction and user interface design, the term can be used to refer to forms of swipe gestures. Although the more common term is “Wischgesten,” some texts employ Wischformen to catalogue different swipe directions (left, right, up, down) and speeds as a way to navigate or reveal content on touch devices. The exact meaning is strongly context dependent and may be replaced by more precise terminology in practical documentation.

In automotive and cleaning technology, Wischformen can denote patterns or modes of wiping applied by windshield wipers or cleaning devices. For windshields, this may refer to operational modes (intermittent, slow, fast) or wipe sequences; for cleaning equipment, it can describe different wipe patterns used by floor care machines or scrubbing systems.

Etymologically, Wischformen combines Wisch (wipe/swipe) and Formen (forms). Its usage is niche and highly domain-specific, so readers should infer exact meaning from the disciplinary context.