figurative / visual
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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.
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.
to transmit / transfer
'übertragen' and 'bildlich' can both mean that something is not meant literally. In this sense, for example, you can say that an expression has a transferred or figurative meaning. The difference is mainly in the form: 'übertragen' is also a verb and often describes applying an idea or principle to another area. 'bildlich' is an adjective and more often describes the type of language. Learners may confuse the words because both fit with metaphors and non-literal expressions. In practice: for an action, you are more likely to say 'etwas übertragen' (to transfer/apply something); when describing an expression, you are more likely to use 'bildlich' (figurative).
Das Team benutzt den Ausdruck nur bildlich, nicht als genaue technische Beschreibung.
The team uses the expression only figuratively, not as an exact technical description.
Wir übertragen die Regel aus dem Kurs auf eine echte Situation im Alltag.
We apply the rule from the course to a real everyday situation.