German word

Aushängeschild

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯sˌhɛŋəˌʃɪlt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounshowpiece

Example

Unser neuer Laden ist das Aushängeschild der Stadt.

Our new shop is the city's showpiece.

Illustration for Aushängeschild (showpiece)

More examples

Internationale Konzerne nutzen oft lokale Marken als Aushängeschild.

International corporations often use local brands as a showpiece.

Core concept

A shop sign hanging outside becomes the public face by which the whole business is judged.

Common phrases

  • als Aushängeschild fungieren

    serve as a showpiece

  • ein nationales Aushängeschild

    a national showpiece

  • das Aushängeschild des Unternehmens

    the company's showpiece

Similar words

Flaggschiff: A flagship product or business venture that represents a company's strongest offering.
Visitenkarte: A public calling card that conveys an organization's image or defining character.
Schild: A board or sign mounted to display a name, notice, or warning.
Wahrzeichen: A well-known landmark representing a town, city, or other place.

Definition in German

ein Schild oder Zeichen, das außen angebracht ist und stellvertretend für eine Einrichtung, ein Produkt oder eine Person steht

Word origin

Aushängeschild combines aus- ('out') with hängen ('hang') and Schild ('sign'), referring originally to a sign hung outside before developing its representative figurative sense.

Usage tips

  • As a neuter noun, it is das Aushängeschild, with the plural die Aushängeschilder; the figurative sense also applies to people and products.

Other meanings

  • figureheadnoun
  • calling cardnoun

Opposites

  • Nebenfigurminor characternoun

Related words

  • Aushangnoticenoun
  • aushängenpostverb

Word lists with this word