feature
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feature / characteristic
A typical quality or distinguishing feature by which one can recognize a person, thing, or situation.
Ein wichtiges Merkmal dieses Automodells ist sein geringer Benzinverbrauch.
An important feature of this car model is its low fuel consumption.
The word 'Merkmal' (feature) is a compound derived from the verb 'merken' (to notice, to remember). A 'Merkmal' is therefore literally a sign by which you can recognize something or remember it.
An seinen blauen Augen kann man ihn sofort erkennen.
You can recognize him immediately by his blue eyes.
To say what something is a feature of, German usually uses the preposition 'von' with the dative or the genitive. In more formal texts, the genitive is more common.
Die Fähigkeit zu fliegen ist ein Merkmal von Vögeln.
The ability to fly is a feature of birds.
'Merkmal' (feature) is often combined with certain adjectives to make its meaning more precise. Common combinations are 'ein wesentliches Merkmal' (an essential feature), 'ein besonderes Merkmal' (a special feature), or 'äußere Merkmale' (external characteristics).
Ein wesentliches Merkmal einer Demokratie sind freie Wahlen.
An essential feature of a democracy is free elections.
The word 'Merkmal' (feature) is often used in descriptive, factual, or scientific contexts. It often sounds somewhat more formal than the word 'Eigenschaft' (quality/characteristic).
Die Studie analysiert die demografischen Merkmale der Bevölkerung.
The study analyzes the demographic characteristics of the population.
quality
'die Qualität' and 'das Merkmal' can both describe what makes up a thing or person. However, 'Merkmal' mainly means a feature by which you recognize or distinguish something. 'Qualität' more often refers to the value or standard of something, that is, whether it is good, bad, reliable, or high-quality. The words can be confused because good quality is often recognizable through certain features. When the focus is on recognizing or describing, 'Merkmal' is more precise. When the focus is on evaluating, 'Qualität' is more natural.
Ein wichtiges Merkmal dieses Fahrrads ist der besonders leichte Rahmen.
An important feature of this bicycle is its especially lightweight frame.
Beim Kauf achtet Mehmet nicht nur auf den Preis, sondern auch auf die Qualität.
When buying something, Mehmet pays attention not only to the price but also to the quality.