Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bild | /bɪlt/ | neuter |
| Foto | /ˈfoːto/ | neuter |
A Bild is a broad, general term for a picture or image, which can include a photograph, a painting, a drawing or a digital image. If you are specifically referring to a photograph, you can use Foto. To express the action of taking a picture, you can use the verb fotographieren or the more common everyday phrase ein Foto machen. Additionally, the phrase etwas vorstellen can be used to mean the act of imagining or envisioning something.
Which one should you use?
While Bild is a generic term for any kind of image or picture, Foto is specific to photographs. In more formal settings, you may encounter the word Abbildung to refer to a picture or illustration.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In specific Austrian dialects, you may hear the colloquial variant Buidl used to mean a picture or a photo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Bild and Foto are neuter nouns. The plural form of Bild is Bilder, while the plural of Foto is Fotos.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɪlt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Bild is a neuter noun, it must be used with the article das. Avoid using the masculine article der.
Did you know?
- The term Bild shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'build', as both relate to the concept of forming or shaping something.
- There is a famous German tabloid newspaper called Bild, which is one of the most widely circulated newspapers in the world.
- The term Bildhauerei refers to sculpture, using the word Bild to describe the act of shaping a three-dimensional image.
Examples in context
- Sie hat ein Bild.She has a picture.This sentence shows the use of Bild to indicate possession.Tatoeba #1341925 by al_ex_an_der, translation #314801 by CK
- Ich sah ihr Foto.I saw her picture.This sentence demonstrates the use of Foto to refer to a picture one has seen.Tatoeba #8818886 by 196510089036, translation #5835882 by OsoHombre
- Mal das Bild aus.Colour the picture.This sentence shows how to use Bild as an object in a command to colour a picture.Tatoeba #12041444 by Vortarulo, translation #5813954 by Hybrid
- Könnten Sie mir bitte das Bild zeigen?Could you please show me the picture?
- Die Abbildung in dem Buch ist sehr beeindruckend.The picture in the book is very impressive.
- Hast du das Foto von unserer letzten Reise?Do you have the picture from our last trip?
- Schau dir dieses süße Bildchen an!Look at this cute little picture!
- 806 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are looking at a digital photo album on a phone.
- LauraSchau mal, wie gut das Bild von dir aussieht!Look how good this picture of you looks!
- FelixDanke, Laura, ich mag das Bild auch.Thanks, Laura, I like the picture too.
- LauraSoll ich das Bild speichern?Should I save the picture?
- FelixJa, bitte, das Bild ist toll.Yes, please, the picture is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “picture” translations and entries Bild, Foto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bild, Foto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
