gesture / sign
die Gebärde, die Gebärden
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gesture
A movement of the body, especially the hands or head, used to express or communicate something.
Mit einer abwehrenden Gebärde zeigte sie, dass sie keine Hilfe wollte.
With a dismissive gesture, she showed that she did not want any help.
sign
A sign in a sign language, formed through hand movements and positions, facial expressions, and body posture.
Im Kurs lernen wir die Gebärde für „Danke“ in der Deutschen Gebärdensprache.
In the course, we are learning the sign for “thank you” in German Sign Language.
gesture
An outward display of an attitude or way of behaving that does not necessarily reflect genuine conviction or intent.
Seine demonstrative Bescheidenheit war nur eine leere Gebärde.
His conspicuous modesty was just an empty gesture.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gebärden |
| genitive | der Gebärde |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Gebärde | die Gebärden |
| accusative | die Gebärde | die Gebärden |
| dative | der Gebärde | den Gebärden |
| genitive | der Gebärde | der Gebärden |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Common combinations include 'eine abwehrende Gebärde' (a dismissive gesture), 'eine drohende Gebärde' (a threatening gesture), and 'eine hilflose Gebärde' (a helpless gesture). Use 'mit einer Gebärde' (with a gesture) and a suitable adjective to describe how someone reacts without words; 'mit' takes the dative.
Er antwortete mit einer hilflosen Gebärde auf ihre Frage.
He answered her question with a helpless gesture.
To indicate which concept a sign expresses, use 'die Gebärde für' (the sign for) followed by the accusative. This pattern is especially useful when you want to ask how to sign something.
Kannst du mir die Gebärde für diesen Begriff zeigen?
Can you show me the sign for this concept?
Typical expressions include 'eine leere Gebärde' (an empty gesture) and 'eine bloße Gebärde' (a mere gesture), often used with 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain). Here, 'bleiben' (to remain) particularly emphasizes that the attitude displayed is not followed by corresponding action.
Ohne konkrete Maßnahmen bleibt das Versprechen der Firma eine leere Gebärde.
Without concrete action, the company's promise remains an empty gesture.
