symbol
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symbol
A person, thing, or sign that represents an abstract idea, concept, or condition in a vivid way. A strong, concrete symbol.
Die weiße Taube gilt als Sinnbild des Friedens.
The white dove is considered a symbol of peace.
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.
Der Ring ist für sie ein Sinnbild ihrer ewigen Liebe.
For her, the ring is a symbol of their eternal love.
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).
Der fallende Apfel wurde zum Sinnbild für die Entdeckung der Schwerkraft.
The falling apple became a symbol of the discovery of gravity.
Common verbs used with 'Sinnbild' (symbol) are 'sein' (to be), 'werden' (to become), and 'gelten als' (to be considered).
Diese Brücke gilt als Sinnbild für die Verbindung zweier Kulturen.
This bridge is considered a symbol of the connection between two cultures.
sign / symbol
'das Zeichen' and 'das Sinnbild' can both stand for something else. 'das Zeichen' is the broader term: it can be a simple mark, a symbol, or a fixed figure. 'das Sinnbild' more strongly refers to a concrete image or thing that shows a larger idea, such as peace, freedom, or hope. The words are easy to confuse because a Sinnbild is often also a Zeichen. If it is only about a recognizable mark, 'Zeichen' fits. If something makes a deeper or abstract meaning visible, 'Sinnbild' fits better.
Die weiße Taube gilt für viele Menschen als Sinnbild des Friedens.
For many people, the white dove is considered a symbol of peace.
Das rote Zeichen an der Tür bedeutet, dass der Raum besetzt ist.
The red sign on the door means that the room is occupied.