sinnbildlich
symbolic
Standing as a symbol for something or symbolically expressing a deeper meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die weiße Taube gilt sinnbildlich als Zeichen des Friedens.
The white dove is considered a symbolic sign of peace.
sinnbildlich
symbolic
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry sinnbildlich, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | sinnbildlich |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to sinnbildlich.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to sinnbildlich.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to sinnbildlich.
Usage tips
Word formation
The noun „Sinnbild“ (symbol) is contained in „sinnbildlich“: an image or sign that expresses a particular idea. The ending „-lich“ turns it into an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Die zerbrochene Kette hat auf dem Gemälde eine sinnbildliche Bedeutung.
The broken chain has a symbolic meaning in the painting.
Typical sentence pattern
A common pattern is „etwas steht sinnbildlich für etwas“ (something stands symbolically for something). The accusative follows „für“; this names the idea expressed by the image or sign.
EXAMPLE
Der steile Weg steht sinnbildlich für den schwierigen Kampf um die Freiheit.
The steep path symbolically represents the difficult struggle for freedom.
Fixed expression
„Sinnbildlich gesprochen“ (literally, “speaking symbolically”) introduces a figurative statement. The expression helps listeners recognize that they should not understand the following statement literally.
EXAMPLE
Sinnbildlich gesprochen sitzen wir alle im selben Boot.
Figuratively speaking, we are all in the same boat.
In real life
Loading video examples...