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.
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 forms like 'gekennzeichnet' or 'kennzeichnend' are closely related because they involve signs, markings, or typical features. 'bezeichnen' is a verb and usually describes the action: you give something a name, sign, or marking. 'gekennzeichnet' more often describes the state afterward: something has a marking or a label. 'kennzeichnend' means that a feature is typical of something. The words can be confused because both have to do with identifying and marking. Pay attention to the form: with 'bezeichnen', someone is actively doing something; 'gekennzeichnet' or 'kennzeichnend' describes a feature or result.
Die Notausgänge sind im ganzen Gebäude deutlich gekennzeichnet.
The emergency exits are clearly marked throughout the building.
Wir bezeichnen die wichtigen Kartons mit einem roten Punkt.
We mark the important boxes with a red dot.