symbolisch
symbolic
Standing as a symbol for something else; having a deeper, figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Übergabe des Schlüssels an den neuen Mieter war ein symbolischer Akt.
Handing over the key to the new tenant was a symbolic act.
symbolisch
symbolic
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Meanings
symbolisch
nominal
Happening only as a formality or in a token way, without real material significance. Often refers to a very low price.
EXAMPLE
Er hat das Fahrrad für den symbolischen Preis von einem Euro von seinem Freund gekauft.
He bought the bicycle from his friend for the nominal price of one euro.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'symbolisch' (symbolic) is derived directly from the noun 'das Symbol' (the symbol). The ending '-isch' is a typical way to form an adjective from a noun.
EXAMPLE
Die weiße Taube gilt als Symbol des Friedens.
The white dove is considered a symbol of peace.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'symbolisch' (symbolic) is often combined with words that describe an action or a value. Typical collocations are 'symbolische Geste' (symbolic gesture), 'symbolische Bedeutung' (symbolic meaning), or 'symbolischer Akt' (symbolic act).
EXAMPLE
Die Umarmung der beiden Präsidenten war eine wichtige symbolische Geste.
The embrace between the two presidents was an important symbolic gesture.
Context clue: price
You can almost always recognize this meaning from the context of money or costs. The phrase 'für einen symbolischen Preis' (for a nominal price) means that something is almost free in order to formally complete a transaction.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das alte Sofa für einen symbolischen Preis von einem Euro bekommen.
I got the old sofa for the nominal price of one euro.
Compare with
symbolisch vs formell
formal
A symbolic act mainly has symbolic significance and may have few practical consequences. A formal act follows official rules or prescribed procedures; this says nothing about how great its impact is. The key distinction is therefore between symbolic significance and an official procedure.
symbolisch
Die Vorsitzende übergab symbolisch den ersten Schlüssel, obwohl das Gebäude noch geschlossen blieb.
The chairperson symbolically handed over the first key, even though the building remained closed.
formell
Die Vorsitzende übergab den Schlüssel formell nach dem vorgeschriebenen Verfahren.
The chairperson formally handed over the key according to the prescribed procedure.
In real life
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