der  Entwurf

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɛntvʁʊf/

📝 What does "der Entwurf" mean?

Der Entwurf (noun, masculine) refers to a preliminary version or sketch of something that is yet to be elaborated or realized. It's the initial conception or plan for a work, whether it's a text, a building, a law, a piece of art, or a design.

• Core meaning: Draft, sketch, plan, design, concept.
• Context-dependent: Can refer to a Textentwurf (text draft), Bauentwurf (architectural draft/design), Gesetzesentwurf (draft bill/law), Designentwurf (design draft), etc.

An `Entwurf` is typically not final and serves as a basis for further revisions and final development. ✏️

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Entwurf

The noun "Entwurf" is masculine. The article is der.

Declension of "der Entwurf"

Example Sentences

1. Der Architekt präsentierte den ersten Entwurf für das neue Museum. (The architect presented the first draft for the new museum.)
2. Die Qualität des Entwurfs überzeugte die Jury. (The quality of the draft convinced the jury.)
3. Wir arbeiten noch am Entwurf für die Webseite. (We are still working on the draft for the website.)
4. Bitte schicken Sie mir den Entwurf bis morgen zu. (Please send me the draft by tomorrow.)
5. Die verschiedenen Entwürfe wurden ausführlich diskutiert. (The different drafts were discussed in detail.)

🛠️ How to Use "Entwurf"

"Der Entwurf" is frequently used in creative, technical, and planning contexts.

• Design & Architecture: An architect creates a Bauentwurf (building design/draft), a designer a Designentwurf (design draft).
• Writing & Editing: You write a Textentwurf (text draft) or the erster Entwurf (first draft) of an article.
• Legislation: A ministry submits a Gesetzesentwurf (draft bill).
• Planning: A project often starts with a Konzeptentwurf (concept draft).

Distinction from similar words:

• Skizze: Often rougher and less detailed than an Entwurf, more like an initial collection of ideas.
• Plan: Can be more detailed and binding than an Entwurf, often involving technical drawings or precise specifications.
• Konzept: Describes the fundamental idea or strategy, whereas the Entwurf is a more concrete elaboration.

⚠️ An `Entwurf` always implies an unfinished state that is subject to change.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Entwurf"

Remembering the Article

Think of der Plan (the plan) or imagine the 'throw' (Wurf) in Entwurf as a strong, masculine action. The first big 'throw' of an idea onto paper is der Entwurf.

Remembering the Meaning

The word comes from "entwerfen" - to 'throw out', to 'throw' an idea onto paper. Imagine 'throwing' your ideas like balls (Würfe) onto paper – the first successful hit is der Entwurf (the draft).

🔄 Terms Around "Entwurf": Synonyms & Antonyms

Risk of Confusion

• Einwurf: Has completely different meanings (e.g., throw-in in soccer, mailbox slot, or an interjection/remark). Do not confuse with Entwurf!

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Designer: "Haben Sie schon einen Entwurf für das neue Logo?"
Antwortet der Designer: "Nein, aber ich habe einen Entwurf eines Entwurfs, den ich Ihnen als Entwurf präsentieren könnte."

English Translation:
The boss asks the new designer: "Do you have a draft for the new logo yet?"
The designer replies: "No, but I have a draft of a draft that I could present to you as a draft."

📜 Poetry of the Idea

Ein Blatt, noch weiß, ein Stift bereit,
Der Geist beginnt zur Kreativität.
Ein erster Strich, ein Wort, ein Plan,
So fängt der Entwurf behutsam an.

Noch unfertig, nicht ganz vollbracht,
Doch birgt er schon die spätere Pracht.
Ein Grundstein nur, doch voller Kraft,
Der erste Schritt zur Meisterschaft.

English Translation:
A page, still white, a pen prepared,
The mind begins, creativity shared.
A first line drawn, a word, a plan,
Thus gently the draft began.

Still incomplete, not fully done,
Yet holds the splendor yet to come.
A cornerstone, but full of might,
The first step towards the final light.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich bin der Anfang, selten das End'.
Man feilt an mir, bis man mich kennt.
Ich zeige Pläne, groß und klein,
Bevor das Werk kann fertig sein.
Ob Text, ob Haus, ob Kunstwerk gar,
Ich bin die erste Fassung, ist doch klar!

Wer bin ich?
(Who am I?)

English Translation:
I am the beginning, seldom the end.
People refine me until I'm known, my friend.
I show plans, both large and small,
Before the work is finished for all.
Be it text, or house, or artwork grand,
I am the first version, you understand!

Solution: Der Entwurf (The draft)

💡 More Interesting Facts

Word Composition

The word "Entwurf" is composed of the prefix ent- (often indicating beginning or development) and the noun Wurf (throw). It is the nominalization of the verb entwerfen (to design, draft, sketch - literally 'to throw out').

Related Terms

• entwerfen (verb): to create a draft
• Entwerfer/in (noun): person who creates a draft (e.g., designer, architect)
• Entwurfsphase (noun): the phase during which drafts are created; design phase
• Entwurfszeichnung (noun): a drawing representing a draft; draft drawing