Reißkohle

charcoal stick (for drawing)

noun RICE-koh-luh Rare

Usage Note

Reißkohle (also Zeichenkohle) is a stick of charred wood used for drawing — producing broad, erasable marks. Life-drawing classes typically begin with Reißkohle for quick gestural sketches. Feminine noun.

Examples

"Mit der Reißkohle skizzierte er die Umrisse der Figur in wenigen Zügen."

Natural Translation

With the charcoal stick he sketched the contours of the figure in a few strokes.

Literal Translation

With the charcoal-stick he sketched the outlines of the figure in a few strokes.

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