Provided with a sign, marking, or label in order to identify something, give a warning, or provide information.
example
Der Wanderweg ist durchgehend mit roten Punkten gekennzeichnet.
The hiking trail is marked throughout with red dots.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is the past participle of the verb 'kennzeichnen' (to mark / to label / to characterize). This is made up of 'kennen' (to know) and 'Zeichen' (sign). So it literally means to provide something with an identifying sign.
EXAMPLE
Bitte kennzeichnen Sie die richtige Antwort mit einem Kreuz.
Please mark the correct answer with a cross.
Context clue
The preposition reveals the meaning: 'gekennzeichnet mit' (marked with) describes a concrete marking. 'Gekennzeichnet durch' (characterized by) describes an abstract, characteristic quality.
EXAMPLE
Der Notausgang ist mit einem grünen Schild gekennzeichnet.
The emergency exit is marked with a green sign.
Sentence structure with 'als'
To indicate the function or category of a marking, the preposition 'als' (as) is used. The structure is: 'als etwas gekennzeichnet sein' (to be marked as something).
EXAMPLE
Diese Chemikalien müssen als gefährlich gekennzeichnet werden.
These chemicals must be marked as dangerous.
Fixed expression
In this abstract meaning, the expression 'gekennzeichnet sein durch' (to be characterized by) + accusative is very common. It is often used to describe the character of a person, a period, or a work.
EXAMPLE
Das 20. Jahrhundert war durch große technische Fortschritte gekennzeichnet.
The 20th century was characterized by great technological advances.
Compare with
near_synonym
gekennzeichnet vs bestimmt
certain / specific
'bestimmt' and 'gekennzeichnet' can both have to do with features or qualities. In this case, 'bestimmt' means that something specific or exact is meant, for example a specific place or a specific problem. 'Gekennzeichnet durch' says that something has a typical feature. So it describes how you can recognize something. 'bestimmt' is more natural when you are choosing or referring to something specific. 'gekennzeichnet' fits when you are describing something through its characteristics.
gekennzeichnet
Der Weg zum Ausgang ist durch gelbe Schilder gekennzeichnet.
The way to the exit is marked with yellow signs.
bestimmt
Julia sucht am Abend ein bestimmtes Foto für ihre Freundin.
In the evening, Julia is looking for a specific photo for her friend.