dekorativ
decorative
Serving to decorate or beautify something; ornamental, decorative.
EXAMPLE
Die Schale ist rein dekorativ und nicht zum Essen gedacht.
The bowl is purely decorative and not meant for eating.
dekorativ
decorative
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Meanings
dekorativ
decorative
In a figurative sense, describing a role or function that is only there for show and involves no real power or task.
EXAMPLE
Seine Position im Aufsichtsrat war eher dekorativ, denn er hatte kein Stimmrecht.
His position on the supervisory board was more decorative, since he had no voting rights.
Usage tips
Word family
'Dekorativ' belongs to the word family of 'dekorieren' (to decorate) and 'die Dekoration' (decoration). All of these words have to do with making things more beautiful.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein sehr dekoratives Talent.
She has a very decorative talent.
Typical collocation
The combination 'rein dekorativ' (purely decorative) is very common. It emphasizes that an object is only meant to be looked at and not intended for practical use.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Bücher im Regal sind nur rein dekorativ.
The old books on the shelf are only purely decorative.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the fact that 'dekorativ' refers to abstract things such as a 'Rolle' (role), a 'Funktion' (function), or a 'Position' (position).
EXAMPLE
Der Beirat hatte nur eine dekorative Funktion ohne wirkliche Entscheidungsgewalt.
The advisory board had only a decorative function without any real decision-making power.
Compare with
dekorativ vs symbolisch
symbolic
A symbolic function mainly has a meaning as a sign or exists only as a formality. In a figurative sense, a decorative function merely serves as adornment and has no real power or task. Symbolisch therefore emphasizes meaning as a sign, while dekorativ emphasizes the lack of a practical function.
dekorativ
Die frühere Präsidentin übernimmt bei der Feier nur eine dekorative Rolle ohne echte Aufgabe.
The former president takes on only a decorative role at the ceremony, without any real task.
symbolisch
Die frühere Präsidentin übernimmt bei der Feier eine symbolische Rolle als Zeichen der Verbundenheit.
The former president takes on a symbolic role at the ceremony as a sign of solidarity.
In real life
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