umreißen

Umreißen is a German verb with two primary meanings centered on drawing or describing a contour. In its most common usage, it means to outline or sketch around the contour of something, thereby indicating its shape or silhouette. It is also used figuratively to describe something in broad strokes, i.e., to give a rough or general description, plan, or assessment without going into detail.

Literally, umreißen refers to tracing or drawing around an object to capture its outer edge. This can be done in drawing, design, architecture, or cartography. Figuratively, speakers use the expression to present an overview: “den Umriss der Situation umreißen” or “etwas in groben Zügen umreißen,” meaning to present a concise summary of a topic or problem. In everyday language, both senses are common and easy to distinguish from context.

The verb is often used with a direct object that denotes what is being outlined, such as den Umriss des Gebäudes or die Kontur eines Objekts. Related terms include Umriss (n., outline/contour), abzeichnen (to trace), and umzeichnen (to redraw around). A distinct, more physical meaning exists in which umreißen can denote knocking over or tearing down a structure, especially in the form umgerissen, though this sense is typically tied to the verb reißen in a physical sense rather than the outline sense.

Examples: Der Zeichner konnte den Umriss des Modells schnell umreißen. Der Bericht soll in groben Zügen den Umriss der Situation umreißen. Der Sturm hat den Baum umgerissen.