to mark / characterize
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marked / labeled
Used in the form of the past participle ('gekennzeichnet') to express that something is provided with a feature, marking, or label.
Alle Wanderwege im Nationalpark sind farblich gekennzeichnet.
All hiking trails in the national park are marked by color.
characteristic
Used in the form of the present participle ('kennzeichnend') to express that something is typical or characteristic of a person or thing.
Kennzeichnend für seine Architektur ist die Verwendung von Glas und Stahl.
Characteristic of his architecture is the use of glass and steel.
The verb 'kennzeichnen' (to mark/characterize) is made up of 'kennen' (to know) and 'Zeichen' (sign). The literal meaning is therefore to provide something with a sign so that it can be recognized again.
Bitte kennzeichnen Sie die richtige Antwort mit einem Kreuz.
Please mark the correct answer with a cross.
This verb is often used in its two participle forms as an adjective. 'Gekennzeichnet' (marked/labeled, past participle) has a passive meaning and describes that something has been marked. 'Kennzeichnend' (characteristic, present participle) has an active meaning and describes a typical feature.
Der Fluchtweg ist mit grünen Schildern gekennzeichnet.
The escape route is marked with green signs.
The form 'kennzeichnend' (characteristic) is almost always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative to express what something is typical of.
Diese Art von Humor ist kennzeichnend für ihn.
This kind of humor is characteristic of him.
The form 'gekennzeichnet' (marked/labeled) is often used with 'durch' (by/through) or 'mit' (with) to describe the feature or type of marking.
Produkte aus biologischem Anbau sind durch ein spezielles Siegel gekennzeichnet.
Products from organic farming are marked with a special seal.
to call / mark
Bezeichnen and kennzeichnen can both express that something is given a visible identifying mark. For a concrete marking, gekennzeichnet is the more usual form. In this usage, bezeichnet mit einem Zeichen sounds more formal and is less common.
Die fehlerhafte Ware ist mit einem roten Punkt gekennzeichnet.
The defective goods are marked with a red dot.
Die fehlerhafte Ware ist mit einem roten Punkt bezeichnet.
The defective goods are marked with a red dot.
