zeichne

zeichne is a conjugated form of the German verb zeichnen, which means to draw, sketch, or to sign. It is not a standalone noun, but a grammatical form whose exact meaning depends on mood, tense, and context. In everyday language, the form appears in several ways.

In the present tense, the form is part of the ich-branch: ich zeichne, meaning “I draw” or “I am drawing.” The bare form zeichne would typically occur only as part of a sentence with an explicit subject, such as “Ich zeichne.”

As an imperative, zeichne can function as a command to a single informal listener: Zeichne! meaning “Draw!” This usage is common in instruction, directions, or encouragement to sketch or outline something.

In indirect speech, or Konjunktiv I, zeichne can appear as the present subjunctive form for related subjects. For example: Der Lehrer sagte, er zeichne eine Karte, meaning “The teacher said that he was drawing a map.” This form is used to relay others’ statements in written or formal German.

Beyond drawing pictures, zeichnen also covers signing documents: to sign or initial something is described with zeichnen in many formal contexts (often with Sie as the polite subject). Related nouns include das Zeichnen (the act of drawing) and das Zeichen (a sign or symbol), while Zeichnung refers to a completed drawing.

Overall, zeichne is a versatile German verb form tied to the actions of drawing, sketching, or signing, with usage spanning imperative, present, and subjunctive contexts. See also Zeichen, Zeichnung, and Zeichnen for related terms.