German word

symbolisch

Pronunciation

IPA/zʏmˈboːlɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivesymbolic

Example

Das ist ein symbolisches Geschenk.

That is a symbolic gift.

Illustration for symbolisch (symbolic)

More examples

Das Denkmal ist ein symbolisches Zeichen des Neubeginns.

The monument is a symbolic sign of a new beginning.

Core concept

A concrete sign points to an idea, relationship, or value that cannot be seen directly.

Common phrases

  • symbolisches Zeichen

    symbolic sign

  • symbolischer Akt

    symbolic act

  • symbolische Ebene

    symbolic level

Similar words

symbolhaft: Suggesting an underlying meaning through a visible sign or gesture.
metaphorisch: Conveying meaning indirectly through a figurative expression.
sinnbildlich: Serving as a symbol of an underlying idea or emotion.

Definition in German

Als Zeichen für etwas anderes gebraucht; nicht wörtlich, sondern stellvertretend gemeint.

Word origin

Symbolisch developed in German from Latin symbolicus and ultimately Greek symbolikos, based on symbolon, a sign used to represent something else.

Usage tips

  • Before a neuter noun after ein, the adjective takes the ending -es, as in ein symbolisches Geschenk.

Other meanings

  • symbolicallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word