die Bedeutung
meaning
The sense or content of a word, sign, gesture, or action.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir die Bedeutung dieses Fremdwortes erklären?
Can you explain the meaning of this foreign word to me?
die Bedeutung
meaning / importance
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Meanings
die Bedeutung
importance
The importance, relevance, or influence of something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Die Erfindung des Internets war von historischer Bedeutung.
The invention of the internet was of historical importance.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'deuten' (to indicate, to interpret). The ending '-ung' forms a feminine noun that describes the result or process of interpreting.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Schriften sind schwer zu deuten.
The old writings are difficult to interpret.
Context clue
You can recognize the two meanings from context. If it is about the sense of words or signs, the first meaning is intended. If it is about importance, you often find adjectives like 'groß' (great), 'gering' (minor), or the expression 'von Bedeutung sein' (to be of importance).
EXAMPLE
Was ist die Bedeutung von diesem Symbol?
What is the meaning of this symbol?
Typical collocations
When it is about the meaning of a word, verbs like 'nachschlagen' (to look up), 'erklären' (to explain), or 'kennen' (to know) are often used. Typical formulations are 'die Bedeutung eines Wortes nachschlagen' (to look up the meaning of a word) or 'die genaue Bedeutung kennen' (to know the exact meaning).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss die Bedeutung dieses Fachbegriffs im Wörterbuch nachschlagen.
I need to look up the meaning of this technical term in the dictionary.
Typical collocations
To express importance, 'Bedeutung' (meaning, importance) is often combined with verbs like 'haben' (to have), 'gewinnen' (to gain), 'verlieren' (to lose), or 'beimessen' (to attach). A very common expression is 'von Bedeutung sein' (to be of importance).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Projekt hat für uns an Bedeutung gewonnen.
This project has gained importance for us.
Compare with
Bedeutung vs Rolle
role / roll
“Eine Rolle spielen” and “Bedeutung haben” can both show that something is important for a development. “Eine Rolle spielen” also draws attention to how something contributes to the development, while “Bedeutung” describes importance more generally. “Rolle” often fits a described contribution, while “Bedeutung” fits a purely general assessment of importance.
Bedeutung
Für die Entwicklung des Projekts hat die gute Kommunikation große Bedeutung.
Good communication is of great importance for the development of the project.
Rolle
Bei der Entwicklung des Projekts spielt die gute Kommunikation eine wichtige Rolle.
Good communication plays an important role in the development of the project.
In real life
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