die Semantik
semantics
A subfield of linguistics that deals with the meaning of words, sentences, and texts.
EXAMPLE
In der Semantik untersucht man, wie Sprache auf die Welt Bezug nimmt.
In semantics, one studies how language refers to the world.
die Semantik
semantics
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Meanings
die Semantik
semantics
The actual meaning or semantic content of a sign, word, or statement, often in contrast to its pure form (syntax).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Politiker stritten weniger über Fakten als über die Semantik bestimmter Begriffe.
The two politicians argued less about facts than about the semantics of certain terms.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Semantik' (semantics) is a technical term used mainly in academic or intellectual contexts such as linguistics, philosophy, or computer science. In normal everyday life, you rarely hear this word.
EXAMPLE
Im Studium der Germanistik ist die Semantik ein wichtiges Teilgebiet.
In the study of German language and literature, semantics is an important subfield.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'subfield of linguistics' from the fact that the word is often mentioned together with other linguistic terms such as 'Syntax' (syntax) or 'Pragmatik' (pragmatics).
EXAMPLE
Die Vorlesung behandelt das Verhältnis von Syntax und Semantik.
The lecture covers the relationship between syntax and semantics.
Typical expression
When the exact meaning of words in a discussion is at issue, the phrase 'eine Frage der Semantik' (a question of semantics) is often used. It expresses that the point of dispute is the definition of a term.
EXAMPLE
Ob man es „Problem“ oder „Herausforderung“ nennt, ist letztlich eine Frage der Semantik.
Whether you call it a 'problem' or a 'challenge' is ultimately a question of semantics.
Compare with
Semantik vs Syntax
syntax
Both words belong to linguistics, but they refer to different aspects of a statement. „Syntax“ examines the formal structure and arrangement of words, while „Semantik“ examines their meaning. So ask whether the sentence structure or the meaning is being studied.
Semantik
In diesem Kurs analysieren wir die Semantik des deutschen Satzes.
In this course, we analyze the semantics of the German sentence.
Syntax
In diesem Kurs analysieren wir die Syntax des deutschen Satzes.
In this course, we analyze the syntax of the German sentence.
In real life
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