das Sinnbild
symbol
A person, thing, or sign that represents an abstract idea, concept, or condition in a vivid way. A strong, concrete symbol.
EXAMPLE
Die weiße Taube gilt als Sinnbild des Friedens.
The white dove is considered a symbol of peace.
das Sinnbild
symbol
das Sinnbild, die Sinnbilder
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Sinnbild, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sinnbilder |
| genitive | des Sinnbildes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Sinnbild | die Sinnbilder |
| accusative | das Sinnbild | die Sinnbilder |
| dative | dem Sinnbild | den Sinnbildern |
| genitive | des Sinnbildes des Sinnbilds | der Sinnbilder |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Sinn' (meaning/sense) and 'Bild' (image). So it literally describes an 'image' that represents a deeper 'meaning' or an abstract idea.
EXAMPLE
Der Ring ist für sie ein Sinnbild ihrer ewigen Liebe.
For her, the ring is a symbol of their eternal love.
Sentence structure with 'für'
To describe what something is a symbol of, the preposition 'für' (for) with the accusative is almost always used. The structure is: 'X ist ein Sinnbild für Y' (X is a symbol of Y).
EXAMPLE
Der fallende Apfel wurde zum Sinnbild für die Entdeckung der Schwerkraft.
The falling apple became a symbol of the discovery of gravity.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Sinnbild' (symbol) are 'sein' (to be), 'werden' (to become), and 'gelten als' (to be considered).
EXAMPLE
Diese Brücke gilt als Sinnbild für die Verbindung zweier Kulturen.
This bridge is considered a symbol of the connection between two cultures.
Die zerstörte Bibliothek wurde zum Sinnbild für den Verlust von Wissen.
The destroyed library became a symbol of the loss of knowledge.
Compare with
Sinnbild vs Symbol
symbol
Symbol is the general term for something that stands for an abstract idea. Sinnbild places more emphasis on a concrete and vivid embodiment of that idea. If the representation is particularly clear or striking, Sinnbild is often the better choice.
Sinnbild
Nach ihrer feierlichen Eröffnung wurde die Brücke zum Sinnbild des Neuanfangs.
After its ceremonial opening, the bridge became the embodiment of a fresh start.
Symbol
Die wiederaufgebaute Brücke ist ein Symbol für den Neuanfang.
The rebuilt bridge is a symbol of a fresh start.
In real life
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