noun

das Bild, -er

picture

Etwas, das man sehen kann und das oft auf Papier, einem Bildschirm oder einer Wand gezeigt wird. Es zeigt Menschen, Tiere, Orte oder Dinge.

Definition & meaning

Bild means picture or image: a visual representation of a person, place, object, or idea. Depending on context, it can refer to a painting, photograph, drawing, or illustration.

It also has figurative uses. It can mean a mental impression or idea of something, as in forming an idea of a situation, or a person’s public image.

Grammar & Word origin

Bild is a neuter noun: das Bild. Its plural is die Bilder.

It is a single word, not a compound. It is related to the verb bilden , meaning “to form” or “to create.” Historically, the word referred to a likeness or shape.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no single synonym that fits every use of Bild:

Abbildung means a depiction or reproduction, often in a book or document.
Darstellung is a broad term for a representation or portrayal, including non-visual ones.
Gemälde specifically means a painting.
Foto and Aufnahme usually refer to a photograph or photographic image.
Illustration is an image made to explain or accompany text.
Vorstellung fits the figurative sense of a mental idea or impression.

Bild has no general antonym. In the sense of a visual representation, Wirklichkeit (“reality”) can serve as a contextual contrast, but it is not a direct opposite.