die Marke
brand
A name or symbol that identifies a product or service from a particular company; a branded product.
EXAMPLE
Adidas ist eine weltweit bekannte Marke für Sportbekleidung.
Adidas is a globally known brand for sportswear.
die Marke
brand / mark / stamp
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Marke
mark
A specific point, line, or level that indicates a position, amount, or record.
EXAMPLE
Der Athlet unterbot die magische Marke von zehn Sekunden auf 100 Metern.
The athlete went under the magical mark of ten seconds in the 100 meters.
die Marke
stamp
Short form of 'Briefmarke' (postage stamp); a value token that is stuck onto a letter or package to pay the postage.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Postkarte ins Ausland brauche ich noch die passende Marke.
For this postcard abroad, I still need the right stamp.
die Marke
token / chip
A small, often round object made of plastic or metal that is used instead of a coin, e.g. for a shopping cart or as a deposit token.
EXAMPLE
Hast du vielleicht eine Marke für den Einkaufswagen dabei?
Do you happen to have a token for the shopping cart with you?
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Marke' is related to the verb 'markieren' (to mark). All meanings have to do with the basic idea of a sign, label, or marking.
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderweg ist mit roten Marken an den Bäumen markiert.
The hiking trail is marked with red markers on the trees.
Typical collocations
In the context of products and consumption, typical collocations are 'eine bekannte Marke' (a well-known brand), 'einer Marke treu sein' (to be loyal to a brand), 'Markenkleidung tragen' (to wear branded clothing), or 'eine Marke schützen lassen' (to have a brand protected).
EXAMPLE
Viele Jugendliche tragen gerne Kleidung von bekannten Marken.
Many teenagers like to wear clothing from well-known brands.
Typical collocations
When it comes to records or levels, 'Marke' is often used with verbs such as 'erreichen' (to reach), 'knacken' (to break), 'überschreiten' (to exceed), or 'unterbieten' (to go below). The combination 'eine magische Marke' (a magical mark) is also common.
EXAMPLE
Der Aktienindex hat die Marke von 15.000 Punkten überschritten.
The stock index has exceeded the mark of 15,000 points.
Context clue
If the conversation or text is about the post office, letters, or postcards, 'Marke' almost always means a postage stamp. It is a common abbreviation.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss zur Post gehen und ein paar Marken kaufen.
I have to go to the post office and buy a few stamps.
Context clue
In the context of supermarkets and shopping carts, 'Marke' refers to the small chip or coin you need for the cart. Sometimes the word 'Chip' is also used.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe keine Münze, hast du eine Marke für den Einkaufswagen?
I don't have a coin; do you have a token for the shopping cart?
Compare with
Marke vs Zeichen
sign / symbol
A Zeichen can be a symbol on packaging that identifies a product. Marke specifically refers to the name or symbol of a company and its products. Use Zeichen for a single symbol; use Marke when referring to recognizable product or company affiliation.
Marke
Die Marke auf der Verpackung zeigt, zu welcher Firma das Produkt gehört.
The brand on the packaging shows which company the product belongs to.
Zeichen
Das Zeichen auf der Verpackung zeigt, zu welcher Firma das Produkt gehört.
The symbol on the packaging shows which company the product belongs to.
In real life
Loading video examples...