noun

Bilderrahmen

picture frame

Ein Gegenstand aus Holz, Metall oder Kunststoff, der um ein Foto oder ein gemaltes Werk gelegt wird, um es zu schützen und an der Wand aufzuhängen.

Definition & meaning

A Bilderrahmen is a decorative and protective edging for a picture, such as a painting, drawing, or photograph. It is used to enhance the visual appearance of the artwork, provide structural support, and make it easier to display on a wall or a shelf. These frames are typically made from materials like wood, metal, plastic, or glass.

In a broader sense, it refers to any structural border that encloses a visual representation.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a masculine compound noun. Its plural form is identical to the singular form: "die Bilderrahmen".

It consists of two parts:

  1. Bild - meaning picture, image, or painting.
  2. Rahmen - meaning frame, border, or framework.

The word "Rahmen" comes from Middle High German "rame", which originally referred to a support or a pillar. By combining them, the word literally describes a "frame for pictures".

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Rahmen (frame)
  • Einfassung (border or edging)
  • Fotorahmen (photo frame)
  • Wechselrahmen (a frame designed for easily swapping pictures)

Antonyms: There is no direct noun that serves as an antonym. However, an adjective describing the absence of a frame is:

  • rahmenlos (frameless)

Make “Bilderrahmen” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

Der Bilderrahmen hängt an der Wand.noun

The picture frame hangs on the wall.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).