Before you start
Meet abbilden
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
All 2 meanings
- to portray, to depict, to picture
- to map, to outline
Build the meaning
ab- + bilden
- ab-
- a result separated from or set apart from its source
- bilden
- to form or create
To form an image that stands apart as a representation of something.
So abbilden means to depict or represent.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: ab·bilden
In a main clause the prefix ab splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseDer Plan bildet alle Straßen ab.The map shows all the streets.
Subordinate clauseSie sagt, dass das Bild die Stadt abbildet.She says that the picture depicts the city.
Participle: abgebildetzu-infinitive: abzubilden
Forms
How abbilden changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | bilde ab | bildete ab |
| du | bildest ab | bildetest ab |
| er/sie/es | bildet ab | bildete ab |
| wir | bilden ab | bildeten ab |
| ihr | bildet ab | bildetet ab |
| Sie | bilden ab | bildeten ab |
Partizip II abgebildet · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Die Kamera bildet die Farben gut ab.The camera reproduces the colors well.prefix goes to the end
- 2Das Foto hat den Hund gut abgebildet.The photo portrayed the dog well.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich weiß, dass das Bild den Baum abbildet.I know that the picture shows the tree.verb at the end after dass
Verb family
More verbs built on bilden
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.