das Markenzeichen
signature feature
A characteristic, typical feature of a person or thing by which they can be easily recognized.
EXAMPLE
Ihr roter Hut wurde schnell zu ihrem Markenzeichen.
Her red hat quickly became her signature feature.
das Markenzeichen
trademark / signature feature
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Meanings
das Markenzeichen
trademark
A legally protected sign, such as a name, symbol, or logo, used to identify a company's goods or services.
EXAMPLE
Die drei Streifen sind das eingetragene Markenzeichen von Adidas.
The three stripes are the registered trademark of Adidas.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'die Marke' (brand) and 'das Zeichen' (sign). So it literally refers to a sign that represents a brand. The figurative meaning for a typical feature is also derived from this literal meaning.
EXAMPLE
Das Logo ist das bekannteste Markenzeichen des Unternehmens.
The logo is the company's best-known trademark.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is about a person and their personal, striking characteristics. The literal, legal meaning, by contrast, refers to companies, products, and protected symbols.
EXAMPLE
Seine laute Lache ist sein persönliches Markenzeichen.
His loud laugh is his personal signature feature.
Typical use
When a feature is typical of a person, it is often described with the phrase `zum Markenzeichen werden` (to become a signature feature). It is something that has developed over time as characteristic.
EXAMPLE
Ihre bunten Kleider sind schnell zu ihrem Markenzeichen geworden.
Her colorful dresses quickly became her signature feature.
Legal context
In the legal meaning, 'Markenzeichen' (trademark) is often combined with the adjectives `eingetragen` (registered) or `rechtlich geschützt` (legally protected). You can also `anmelden` (register) a trademark or `schützen lassen` (have it protected).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma hat ihren Namen als Markenzeichen schützen lassen.
The company had its name protected as a trademark.
Compare with
Markenzeichen vs Marke
brand / mark / stamp
Marke and Markenzeichen can both identify a company or its products. Marke refers to the overall identification of a product or company, while Markenzeichen specifically means the protected sign, such as a name, symbol, or logo. When referring to the legally protected sign itself, Markenzeichen is more precise.
Markenzeichen
Das geschützte Markenzeichen des Unternehmens ist ein roter Kreis.
The company's protected trademark is a red circle.
Marke
Die Marke steht für hochwertige Fahrräder und einen guten Kundenservice.
The brand stands for high-quality bicycles and excellent customer service.
In real life
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