indicator
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indicator
A feature or sign that points to a particular condition, development, or quality. It is often used to make complex issues measurable or visible.
Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt ist ein wichtiger Indikator für die wirtschaftliche Leistung eines Landes.
Gross domestic product is an important indicator of a country's economic performance.
The word 'Indikator' comes from Latin and means 'pointer' or 'indicator.' The ending '-ator' often refers to a person or thing that performs an action — here, something that indicates something or points to it.
Ein plötzlicher Abfall der Verkaufszahlen war der erste Indikator für die Krise.
A sudden drop in sales figures was the first indicator of the crisis.
'Indikator' is a word used mainly in formal, scientific, or technical contexts. It often sounds more formal and precise than colloquial alternatives.
In der Studie werden verschiedene soziale Indikatoren zur Messung der Lebensqualität herangezogen.
The study uses various social indicators to measure quality of life.
In its general meaning, 'Indikator' is almost always used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative to say what it points to.
Die hohe Zahl an Bewerbungen ist ein guter Indikator für die Attraktivität des Unternehmens.
The high number of applications is a good indicator of the company's attractiveness.
When 'Indikator' appears in connection with words like 'Lösung' (solution), 'Farbe' (color), 'sauer' (acidic), 'basisch' (basic/alkaline), or 'Labor' (laboratory), it always refers to the chemical substance.
Der Indikator färbte die Flüssigkeit blau, was auf eine basische Lösung hindeutete.
The indicator turned the liquid blue, which indicated a basic solution.
hint / notice
'der Hinweis' and 'der Indikator' both point to something. A 'Hinweis' is often a specific piece of information, a tip, or a comment that someone gives or that appears somewhere. An 'Indikator' is more like a feature or sign by which you recognize a condition or development. 'Indikator' sounds more objective and fits well with numbers, data, or observable signs. In everyday language, people more often say 'Hinweis' when someone wants to help directly or draw attention to something.
Viele leere Geschäfte in der Straße sind ein Indikator für wirtschaftliche Probleme.
Many empty shops on the street are an indicator of economic problems.
Morgen vor dem Behördentermin lese ich den Hinweis auf dem Formular noch einmal.
Tomorrow, before the appointment at the government office, I will read the note on the form again.