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A small graphic symbol on a computer screen or digital device that represents a program, file, or function and can be activated by clicking on it.
Klicke auf das Drucker-Icon, um das Dokument auszudrucken.
Click on the printer icon to print the document.
The meaning can easily be inferred from context. If people are talking about computers, apps, or websites, the graphic symbol is meant. If the topic is culture, fashion, music, or a particular era, it means a person regarded as a symbol.
Ich finde das Icon für die Einstellungen nicht auf meinem Handy.
I can't find the settings icon on my phone.
When referring to the computer symbol, the most important and common construction is 'auf das Icon klicken' (to click on the icon). The preposition 'auf' is always used with the accusative here.
Um das Programm zu starten, musst du doppelt auf das Icon klicken.
To start the program, you have to double-click on the icon.
As a term for a person, 'Icon' (icon) is often combined with a field, e.g. 'Mode-Icon' (fashion icon), 'Stil-Icon' (style icon), or 'Pop-Icon' (pop icon). The phrase 'zu einem Icon werden' (to become an icon) is also very common.
Sie wurde durch ihre Filme in den 50er Jahren zu einem Stil-Icon.
Through her films in the 1950s, she became a style icon.
sign / symbol
'das Zeichen' and 'das Icon' can both be a small image or symbol with a meaning. 'das Zeichen' is very general and can appear on signs, paper, clothing, or in texts. 'das Icon' is used mainly with computers, phones, and apps. It is a small graphic symbol that often opens a function or a program. The risk of confusion arises because an icon is also a kind of 'Zeichen'. In a digital context, 'Icon' sounds more precise; in general situations, 'Zeichen' is more natural.
Tippe auf das Icon, wenn du die App öffnen möchtest.
Tap the icon if you want to open the app.
Auf der Verpackung ist ein Zeichen für Recycling.
There is a recycling symbol on the packaging.