die
Belichtungszeit
📸 What exactly is die Belichtungszeit?
Die Belichtungszeit (often translated as exposure time or shutter speed) refers to the duration for which the sensor (or film) in photography or other imaging processes is exposed to light. It's one of the primary factors determining the brightness of an image and how motion is depicted.
In short: It's the length of time the 'curtain' (the shutter) in front of the camera sensor remains open to capture light.
⚠️ Don't confuse die Belichtungszeit with the Blende (aperture) or the ISO-Wert (ISO value), although all three influence image brightness. They work together in the so-called exposure triangle.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Time → mostly feminine.
There are many exceptions, e.g. the entire category "Weekdays, months, seasons" (masculine/der).
*Grammar Focus: Declining die Belichtungszeit*
The word „Belichtungszeit“ is a feminine noun. The definite article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Belichtungszeit |
| Genitive | der | Belichtungszeit |
| Dative | der | Belichtungszeit |
| Accusative | die | Belichtungszeit |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Belichtungszeiten |
| Genitive | der | Belichtungszeiten |
| Dative | den | Belichtungszeiten |
| Accusative | die | Belichtungszeiten |
Example Sentences
- Die Belichtungszeit war zu kurz, das Foto ist unterbelichtet. (The exposure time was too short, the photo is underexposed.)
- Mit einer langen Belichtungszeit kann man Bewegungsunschärfe erzeugen. (With a long exposure time, you can create motion blur.)
- Der Fotograf wählte eine Belichtungszeit von 1/100 Sekunde. (The photographer chose an exposure time of 1/100 second.)
- Die Wahl der richtigen Belichtungszeit ist entscheidend für das Bildergebnis. (Choosing the right exposure time is crucial for the image result.)
*When to Use Which Belichtungszeit?* ⏱️
The choice of Belichtungszeit heavily depends on the subject and the desired effect:
- Short exposure times (e.g., 1/500s, 1/1000s, or shorter): Ideal for 'freezing' fast motion (e.g., sports photography, children playing, water droplets). They let less light onto the sensor, which might be necessary in bright light or in combination with a wide aperture / high ISO value.
- Long exposure times (e.g., 1/30s, 1s, 30s, or longer): Useful in low light (night photography) or to creatively use motion blur (e.g., silky water in rivers, light trails from cars). This often requires a tripod to avoid camera shake.
In a camera's automatic mode, the Belichtungszeit is often chosen automatically. In manual mode or semi-automatic modes (Shutter Priority 'S' or 'Tv', Aperture Priority 'A' or 'Av'), the photographer has full control.
*Memory Aids: Remembering 'die Belichtungszeit'* 💡
*Similar Terms: Synonyms & Related Concepts*
Synonyms
- Verschlusszeit: (Shutter speed) This is the most common synonym and technically more precise, referring to the duration the camera shutter is open.
- Expositionszeit: (Exposure time) A more technical or scientific term.
Related Terms (not direct antonyms)
There are no direct antonyms, but terms that are important in context and often adjusted when the Belichtungszeit changes:
- Blende: (Aperture) The size of the opening in the lens that lets light through. A larger aperture lets in more light (similar effect to a longer exposure time regarding brightness).
- ISO-Wert/Empfindlichkeit: (ISO value/Sensitivity) The light sensitivity of the sensor. A higher ISO makes the sensor more sensitive (similar effect to a longer exposure time regarding brightness).
A Little Chuckle 😉
Deutsch: Warum hat der Fotograf immer ein Stativ dabei, wenn er nachts Fotos macht?
Damit seine lange Belichtungszeit nicht müde wird und umfällt!
English: Why does the photographer always bring a tripod when taking photos at night?
So his long exposure time (Belichtungszeit) doesn't get tired and fall over!
A Little Poem ✍️
Deutsch:
Das Licht fällt ein, der Sensor wacht,
für einen Moment, kurz oder lang entfacht.
Die Belichtungszeit, sie misst genau,
ob schnell die Szene oder langsam schau.
Mal friert sie Tropfen, klar und rein,
mal zieht sie Spuren, seidig fein.
English:
The light comes in, the sensor wakes,
For a moment, short or long it takes.
Die Belichtungszeit, it measures true,
If the scene is fast or slow to view.
Sometimes it freezes drops, so clear and bright,
Sometimes draws trails, silky smooth like light.
Who Am I? 🤔 The Riddle
Deutsch:
Ich messe, wie lang das Licht darf seh'n,
um Bilder auf den Chip zu weh'n.
Bin ich kurz, friert Bewegung ein,
bin ich lang, muss es dunkel sein (oder verwischt es fein).
Ich bin Teil des Dreiecks, sehr bekannt,
in jeder Kamera im Land.
Wer bin ich? ... Die Belichtungszeit
English:
I measure how long the light may see,
To weave images onto the CCD.
If I am short, motion freezes tight,
If I am long, it must be dark night (or blurred just right).
I'm part of the triangle, known near and far,
In every camera, wherever you are.
Who am I?
... Die Belichtungszeit (Exposure time / Shutter speed)
Interesting Tidbits 🤓
Word Composition
The word „Belichtungszeit“ is a compound noun, composed of:
- Die Belichtung: The exposure; the process where light hits a light-sensitive surface (sensor, film). Derived from the verb „belichten“ (to expose to light).
- Die Zeit: The time; the duration of this process.
Technical Aspects
Exposure times (Belichtungszeiten) are usually stated in fractions of a second (e.g., 1/125 s) or whole seconds (e.g., 1 s, 30 s). Very long exposure times (minutes or hours) are common in astrophotography.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Belichtungszeit?
The word Belichtungszeit is feminine. The correct article is die. It refers to the duration for which light strikes the camera sensor or film, also known as shutter speed or exposure time.