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kennzeichnend
characteristic
Serving as a characteristic, typical, or essential feature of someone or something.
example
Seine ruhige und besonnene Art ist kennzeichnend für ihn.
His calm and level-headed manner is characteristic of him.
kennzeichnend
characteristic
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Kennzeichnend' (characteristic) is the present participle of the verb 'kennzeichnen' (to characterize / mark). It functions like an adjective and describes a quality that distinguishes something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Ein kennzeichnendes Merkmal dieser Architektur ist die Verwendung von viel Glas.
A characteristic feature of this architecture is the use of a lot of glass.
Sentence structure with 'für'
'Kennzeichnend' (characteristic) is very often used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative. The structure is: Etwas ist kennzeichnend für jemanden/etwas (Something is characteristic of someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Diese schnelle Auffassungsgabe ist kennzeichnend für sie.
This quick grasp of things is characteristic of her.
Typical collocations
When 'kennzeichnend' (characteristic) comes before a noun, it is often combined with words like 'Merkmal' (feature), 'Eigenschaft' (quality), or 'Besonderheit' (special characteristic).
EXAMPLE
Das Fehlen von Fenstern ist eine kennzeichnende Eigenschaft dieses Gebäudes.
The lack of windows is a characteristic quality of this building.
Compare with
kennzeichnend vs wesentlich
essential / significantly
'wesentlich' and 'kennzeichnend' can both refer to something important. The difference lies in the point of view. 'wesentlich' says that something is important or decisive. 'kennzeichnend' says that something is typical of a person, thing, or situation and makes it recognizable. A feature can therefore be characteristic without being the most important thing in every decision. When it is about importance, 'wesentlich' fits. When it is about typical qualities, 'kennzeichnend' fits better.
kennzeichnend
Für Anna ist ihre ruhige Art kennzeichnend.
Anna's calm manner is characteristic of her.
wesentlich
Bei der Bewerbung ist Berufserfahrung ein wesentlicher Vorteil.
When applying for the job, professional experience is an essential advantage.
In real life
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