sign / shield
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sign
A board or plate with an inscription, symbol, or image that gives information, instructions, or warnings.
Ein Schild am Eingang wies auf die geänderten Öffnungszeiten hin.
A sign at the entrance pointed out the changed opening hours.
shield
A protective weapon worn on the arm to ward off attacks. Historically used by knights and soldiers.
Der Ritter wehrte den Schwerthieb mit seinem Schild ab.
The knight blocked the sword blow with his shield.
shell / shield
In zoology, the hard, protective outer covering of certain animals, such as a turtle's shell.
Die Schildkröte zog bei Gefahr ihren Kopf unter ihr Schild zurück.
When in danger, the turtle pulled its head back under its shell.
In the meaning of 'Informationstafel' (information board), 'das Schild' (sign) is often combined into new words, such as 'Verkehrsschild' (traffic sign), 'Namensschild' (name tag), or 'Warnschild' (warning sign). A common phrase is also 'Auf dem Schild steht...' (The sign says...).
Auf dem Schild stand: „Betreten der Baustelle verboten!"
The sign said: "Entering the construction site is prohibited!"
The verb 'beschildern' (to signpost) is derived from the noun 'das Schild' (sign). It means to equip a place or route with signs.
Die neue Wanderroute ist noch nicht vollständig beschildert.
The new hiking route is not yet fully signposted.
To recognize the correct meaning, pay attention to the context. In everyday life and road traffic, it usually means an information sign. In historical texts, it means a protective weapon, and in biology, the shell of an animal.
An der Autobahn stand ein Schild mit einer Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung.
There was a sign with a speed limit on the highway.
sign / symbol
A Zeichen can generally be a representation that informs or warns. Schild refers more specifically to a board or plate displaying this information. Use Zeichen for symbols or markings as well, and Schild when the warning appears on such a board.
Das an den Zaun gehängte Schild warnt vor der Baustelle.
The sign hung on the fence warns of the construction site.
Das auf den Boden gemalte Zeichen warnt vor der Baustelle.
The symbol painted on the ground warns of the construction site.
