Radierung
feminine
The English phrase "etching" is translated into German as Radierung. Wiktionary also lists Ätzradierung.
Meaning: art of producing an image (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Radierung | feminine |
| Ätzradierung | feminine |
The term refers to the art of producing an image. While Radierung is the appropriate term to use when discussing etchings in a formal art exhibition setting, you may sometimes encounter the word Gravur. Although Gravur technically means "engraving," it is occasionally used informally to describe an etching.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Radierung is derived from the verb radieren, which in a technical context relates to scraping or incising.
How does it change in a sentence?
Radierung is a feminine noun, which is indicated by the definite article die (e.g., die Radierung). To express the plural form "etchings," use Radierungen. The specific term Ätzradierung is also a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- The word radieren shares a root with the Latin 'radere' meaning to scrape, which is also the root of the English word 'erase'.
- The verb radieren is most commonly used today by school children to mean 'to erase' a mistake with an eraser.
- The word Ätzradierung contains the verb ätzen, which is also the word used for 'to corrode' or 'to eat away' in a chemical sense.
Examples in context
- Die Radierung ist sehr detailreich.The etching is very detailed.
- Er verkauft eine alte Radierung.He is selling an old etching.
- Diese Radierung ist ein Meisterwerk.This etching is a masterpiece.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are visiting an art gallery.
- MaximilianSchau dir diese Radierung an, Julia.Look at this etching, Julia.
- JuliaDie Radierung sieht wirklich fantastisch aus.The etching looks truly fantastic.
- MaximilianSie ist sehr teuer.It is very expensive.
- JuliaJa, aber sie ist auch wunderschön.Yes, but it is also beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “etching” translations and entries Radierung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
