revealing / characteristic
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revealing / characteristic
Typical or characteristic of a person, thing, or situation in a way that says something important about it.
Es ist bezeichnend für seine Einstellung, dass er sich nicht einmal entschuldigt hat.
It is revealing of his attitude that he did not even apologize.
'Bezeichnend' (revealing / characteristic) is the present participle of the verb 'bezeichnen' (to designate / call). The word is related to 'das Zeichen' (the sign) and literally means that something points like a sign to a particular quality or state.
Seine Reaktion war ein bezeichnendes Beispiel für seine Ungeduld.
His reaction was a revealing example of his impatience.
'Bezeichnend' (revealing / characteristic) is very often used with the preposition 'für' + accusative. This construction indicates for whom or what something is typical or characteristic.
Diese schnelle Entscheidung ist bezeichnend für sie.
This quick decision is characteristic of her.
The word has a slightly analytical and evaluative undertone. It is often used to comment on an observation and draw a conclusion about the character of a person or situation.
Bezeichnenderweise hat er auf die wichtigste Frage nicht geantwortet.
Revealingly, he did not answer the most important question.
typical
'typisch' and 'bezeichnend' both describe something that fits well with a person, thing, or situation. 'typisch' mainly says: this is often how it is, or this is what you expect. 'bezeichnend' adds the idea that this feature shows something important about the person or situation. It often sounds somewhat evaluative or reflective. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'characteristic'. If you simply mean a normal quality, 'typisch' fits better. If a detail reveals something important, 'bezeichnend' fits better.
Es war bezeichnend, dass sie im Gespräch nur über ihre eigenen Probleme sprach.
It was revealing that she only talked about her own problems during the conversation.
Kopfschmerzen und Müdigkeit sind typische Zeichen für zu wenig Schlaf.
Headaches and tiredness are typical signs of not getting enough sleep.