German word

Merkmal

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛɐ̯kmaːl/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfeature

Example

Dieses Merkmal ist sehr wichtig.

This feature is very important.

Illustration for Merkmal (feature)

More examples

Das sprachliche Merkmal wurde in mehreren Dialekten beobachtet.

This linguistic feature was observed in several dialects.

Core concept

One identifying feature on a person, object, or group, whether it is visible or an inherent quality.

Common phrases

  • sprachliches Merkmal

    linguistic feature

  • physisches Merkmal

    physical feature

  • historisches Merkmal

    historical feature

Similar words

Eigenschaft: A property or quality belonging to a person, object, or situation.
Kennzeichen: A visible sign used to identify or distinguish a person, object, or group.
Charakterzug: A distinctive trait shown in a person's personality or behavior.
Besonderheit: An unusual or notable aspect that sets something apart.

Definition in German

Ein Merkmal ist ein erkennbares Kennzeichen oder eine Eigenschaft, mit der sich eine Person, Sache oder Gruppe von anderen unterscheidet.

Word origin

The noun Merkmal developed by combining merken, 'notice', with Mal, 'mark', and came to denote a distinguishing feature or quality.

Usage tips

  • Merkmal is common in technical and analytical contexts, while Eigenschaft is broader for a property that need not distinguish something.

Other meanings

  • characteristicnoun
  • marknoun

Opposites

  • Unterscheidungslosigkeitlack of distinctionnoun

Related words

  • Merkmalträgerfeature bearernoun
  • merkmalmäßigfeature-wiseadverb

Word lists with this word