signalisieren
to signal
To communicate information or an intention through a sign, gesture, or signal.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem Nicken signalisierte sie ihm, dass alles in Ordnung war.
With a nod, she signaled to him that everything was all right.
signalisieren
to signal
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Meanings
signalisieren
to indicate
In a figurative sense, to suggest or make something clear; to be a sign of something.
EXAMPLE
Die fallenden Aktienkurse signalisieren eine wachsende Unsicherheit am Markt.
The falling stock prices indicate growing uncertainty in the market.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'signalisieren' (to signal) is derived from the noun 'das Signal' (signal). It literally means to give a signal or communicate something through a sign.
EXAMPLE
Der Schiedsrichter signalisierte das Ende des Spiels durch einen Pfiff.
The referee signaled the end of the game with a whistle.
Sentence structure with dative
This verb is often used with a dative object that indicates the person or institution receiving the signal. A common structure is: subject + signalisiert + dative object + accusative object/dass-clause.
EXAMPLE
Er signalisierte mir seine Zustimmung.
He signaled his agreement to me.
Context clues
When a person is the subject, it is usually about a deliberate action (e.g., a gesture). When an event or thing is the subject (e.g., 'die Daten' — the data), the figurative meaning 'to indicate' or 'to be a sign' is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer vor mir signalisierte, dass er abbiegen wollte.
The driver in front of me signaled that he wanted to turn.
Compare with
signalisieren vs bedeuten
to mean
Both words can connect a gesture with information being conveyed. bedeuten tends to refer to the established or understood message of the gesture, while signalisieren emphasizes the act of communicating it. Use bedeuten when interpreting a gesture, and signalisieren when someone is consciously conveying information.
signalisieren
Der Polizist signalisierte den wartenden Fahrern, dass sie jetzt fahren durften.
The police officer signaled to the waiting drivers that they were now allowed to go.
bedeuten
Sein Nicken bedeutete den wartenden Fahrern, dass sie jetzt fahren durften.
His nod meant that the waiting drivers were now allowed to go.
In real life
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