German word

symbolisieren

Pronunciation

IPA/zʏmboliˈziːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbsymbolize

Example

Die weiße Taube symbolisiert Frieden.

The white dove symbolizes peace.

Illustration for symbolisieren (symbolize)

More examples

Für viele Menschen symbolisiert das Kreuz Hoffnung.

For many people, the cross symbolizes hope.

Core concept

A visible sign, image, or action stands in for an idea that cannot be seen directly.

Common phrases

  • symbolisiert Hoffnung

    symbolizes hope

  • symbolisiert Freiheit

    symbolizes freedom

Similar words

stehen für: Serve as a symbol for something else or convey its meaning.
repräsentieren: Represent an organization, group, or idea through a person or object.
verkörpern: Give an abstract quality or ideal a concrete form through a person or thing.
darstellen: Show facts or relationships through information, images, or other forms.

Definition in German

durch ein Zeichen, Bild oder Verhalten ausdrücken, dass etwas anderes gemeint oder vertreten ist

Word origin

German symbolisieren is derived from Symbol with the suffix -isieren, while Symbol ultimately comes through Latin from Greek symbolon, meaning a sign or token.

Usage tips

  • Symbolisieren is transitive and takes an accusative object, as in Die Taube symbolisiert den Frieden.

Other meanings

  • representverb
  • indicateverb

Opposites

  • konkretisierenconcretizeverb

Related words

  • Symbolisierungsymbolizationnoun
  • symbolischsymbolicadjective
  • Symbolismussymbolismnoun

Word lists with this word