Zeichen
Meaning and Usage
"Zeichen" in German translates to "sign" or "symbol" in English. It is used to indicate a mark, symbol, or sign that represents something, such as a traffic sign or a written character. It can also refer to a signal or an indication.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "Zeichen" comes from the Middle High German "zeichen," which ultimately has its roots in the Old High German "zeihhan". It is a cognate of the English word "token."
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Zeichen" shares the meaning of "sign" with its English counterpart, while also being related to the English word "token."
Cultural Context
In German culture, "Zeichen" can refer to various symbols and signs used in different contexts, including language, communication, and traffic regulations. It is also used in expressions and idioms.
Example Sentences
- Die Ampel zeigt das grüne Zeichen. (The traffic light shows the green signal.)
- Seine Müdigkeit war ein Zeichen dafür, dass er sich ausruhen musste. (His tiredness was a sign that he needed to rest.)
Memory Tips
To remember "Zeichen," think of how the word sounds like "sign" in English, emphasizing its meaning as a symbol or indication.
Additional Vocabulary
- die Signatur (signature)
- das Symbol (symbol)
- die Markierung (marking)
- die Geste (gesture)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
- Gender: neuter
- Plural: die Zeichen
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A