figurative / visual
Loading your saved state.
figurative
Referring to a transferred, non-literal meaning; metaphorical or figurative.
Das ist nur bildlich gemeint, du sollst nicht wirklich eine Mauer zwischen uns bauen.
That's only meant figuratively; you're not really supposed to build a wall between us.
visual
Presented in the form of a picture or visual representation.
Die bildliche Darstellung der Daten half, den komplexen Sachverhalt zu verstehen.
The visual representation of the data helped people understand the complex issue.
The word 'bildlich' (figurative / visual) is derived from 'das Bild' (the picture/image). The suffix '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective. This explains both meanings: something can be represented like a picture or used figuratively as a linguistic image.
Er erklärte die Situation sehr bildlich, sodass jeder sie verstand.
He explained the situation very vividly, so everyone understood it.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If someone is talking about language, thoughts, or ideas, the transferred, metaphorical meaning is intended. If it is about graphics, art, or visual representations, the literal meaning 'in the form of a picture' is intended.
Das war nur bildlich gesprochen, natürlich meine ich das nicht wörtlich.
That was only figuratively speaking; of course I don't mean it literally.
In the transferred meaning, 'bildlich' (figurative) is often used as an adverb with verbs of saying or thinking. Common phrases are 'bildlich gesprochen' (figuratively speaking), 'bildlich gemeint' (meant figuratively), or 'sich etwas bildlich vorstellen' (to picture something in one's mind).
Stell dir bildlich vor, du stehst auf einem hohen Berg.
Picture yourself standing on a high mountain.
clear / vivid
Anschaulich and bildlich can both be used for a presentation with visual elements. Anschaulich mainly describes how easily the content can be understood and imagined, while bildlich describes the form as a picture or visual representation. Use anschaulich for the effect and bildlich for the visual medium.
Die Lehrerin stellt den Aufbau des Herzens bildlich in einem Diagramm dar.
The teacher presents the structure of the heart visually in a diagram.
Die Lehrerin erklärt den Aufbau des Herzens mit einer anschaulichen Darstellung.
The teacher explains the structure of the heart with a clear visual presentation.
