quotation mark
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quotation mark
A punctuation mark that appears at the beginning and end of direct speech, a quotation, or a highlighted word or part of a text. In German, the forms „ “ or » « are usually used.
Der Titel des Buches steht in Anführungszeichen.
The title of the book is in quotation marks.
in quotation marks
An expression used to show that you mean a word or statement ironically, doubt it, or distance yourself from it. It is often used only figuratively in speech and not in writing.
Er ist mein „bester Freund“ in Anführungszeichen – dabei haben wir uns seit Jahren nicht gesehen.
He is my “best friend,” in quotation marks — even though we haven't seen each other in years.
The word is a compound of the verb 'anführen' (here in the sense of 'to quote') and 'das Zeichen' (the sign/mark). So literally, it is a mark that marks a quoted or cited passage.
Direkte Rede wird durch Anführungszeichen gekennzeichnet.
Direct speech is marked with quotation marks.
A very common phrase is 'etwas in Anführungszeichen setzen' (to put something in quotation marks). This describes the act of placing the marks around a word or sentence.
Man muss den genauen Wortlaut des Zitats in Anführungszeichen setzen.
You have to put the exact wording of the quote in quotation marks.
In German, quotation marks appear at the bottom and at the top („…“). In books, you also often find the French form pointing inward (»…«).
Der Lehrer erklärte: „Achtet auf die korrekten Anführungszeichen!“
The teacher explained: “Pay attention to the correct quotation marks!”
When someone uses the phrase 'in Anführungszeichen' (in quotation marks) while speaking, it often signals an ironic or distanced attitude. Sometimes this is accompanied by a gesture with the fingers in the air, so-called “air quotes.”
Er nannte es eine „Verbesserung“ in Anführungszeichen, aber eigentlich funktioniert jetzt nichts mehr.
He called it an “improvement,” in quotation marks, but actually nothing works anymore.
