indication / clue
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clue / evidence
A sign or indirect clue that suggests a particular situation or fact, but is not direct proof. Often used in legal or police contexts.
Die Fingerabdrücke am Tatort waren ein wichtiges Indiz für die Ermittler.
The fingerprints at the crime scene were an important clue for the investigators.
indication
In general, a feature or circumstance that points to something specific.
Seine ständige Müdigkeit ist ein klares Indiz für Schlafmangel.
His constant tiredness is a clear indication of a lack of sleep.
'Indiz' (indication/clue) is almost always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative. The structure is: something is an indication of something.
Die vielen leeren Kaffeetassen waren ein klares Indiz für eine lange Nacht.
The many empty coffee cups were a clear indication of a long night.
The word 'Indiz' (indication/clue) belongs to a more formal level of language. It is often found in the news, police reports, academic texts, and legal contexts.
Laut dem Bericht gibt es mehrere Indizien für die Beteiligung des Verdächtigen.
According to the report, there are several indications of the suspect’s involvement.
In legal contexts, clues or pieces of evidence are often 'gesammelt' (collected), 'gefunden' (found), or 'ausgewertet' (analyzed). People also speak of a 'schwaches Indiz' (weak clue) or a 'starkes Indiz' (strong clue).
Die Polizei sammelt weitere Indizien, um den Fall zu lösen.
The police are collecting more evidence to solve the case.
sign / symbol
Das Zeichen is a general indication of a condition or development. Das Indiz is an indirect clue from which one infers a particular fact, without having direct proof yet. For a well-founded investigation, Indiz is therefore the better fit.
Das offene Fenster war ein Indiz dafür, dass jemand in den Raum eingestiegen war.
The open window was an indication that someone had broken into the room.
Das offene Fenster war ein Zeichen dafür, dass jemand im Raum gewesen war.
The open window was a sign that someone had been in the room.
