das Symbol
symbol
An object, sign, or action that stands for an abstract idea, belief, or concept.
EXAMPLE
Das Herz ist ein universelles Symbol für die Liebe.
The heart is a universal symbol of love.
das Symbol
symbol
das Symbol, die Symbole
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Meanings
das Symbol
symbol
A character or graphic that has a fixed meaning in a specific field such as mathematics, chemistry, or computer science.
EXAMPLE
In der Mathematik steht das Symbol ∞ für Unendlichkeit.
In mathematics, the symbol ∞ stands for infinity.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Symbol, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Symbole |
| genitive | des Symbols |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Symbol | die Symbole |
| accusative | das Symbol | die Symbole |
| dative | dem Symbol | den Symbolen |
| genitive | des Symbols | der Symbole |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Fixed preposition
'Symbol' is almost always used with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative to describe what it stands for. The structure is: Symbol + für + something.
EXAMPLE
Die weiße Taube ist ein Symbol für den Frieden.
The white dove is a symbol of peace.
Rote Rosen gelten als Symbol für die romantische Liebe.
Red roses are considered a symbol of romantic love.
Word family
The adjective 'symbolisch' (symbolic) and the verb 'symbolisieren' (to symbolize) are derived from 'das Symbol' (the symbol). All of these words relate to the idea that something stands for something else.
EXAMPLE
Die Übergabe des Schlüssels war ein symbolischer Akt.
The handing over of the key was a symbolic act.
Der Ring soll ihre ewige Treue symbolisieren.
The ring is meant to symbolize her eternal loyalty.
Typical collocations
In its general meaning, 'Symbol' (symbol) often stands for big, abstract concepts such as freedom, justice, power, or hope.
EXAMPLE
Die Waage ist ein altes Symbol für Gerechtigkeit.
The scales are an ancient symbol of justice.
Technical context
The meaning 'Zeichen' (sign/character) is typical of specialized language. The context of the sentence tells you whether a mathematical, chemical, or musical symbol is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das chemische Symbol für Gold ist Au.
The chemical symbol for gold is Au.
Compare with
Symbol vs Zeichen
sign / symbol
Zeichen is the more general term for a perceptible representation with a fixed meaning. Symbol is usually used when this representation stands for an abstract idea or concept. Use Zeichen for a concrete identification, while Symbol is often more precise for a figurative meaning.
Symbol
Das rote Herz auf der Karte ist ein Symbol für Liebe.
The red heart on the card is a symbol of love.
Zeichen
Das rote Herz auf der Karte ist ein Zeichen für Liebe.
The red heart on the card is a sign of love.
In real life
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