Dictionary
sinnbildlich
German → American English
American English
symbolic
auf eine bildhafte, symbolische Weise; etwas darstellend oder verkörpernd
Die zerbrochene Brücke ist sinnbildlich für die zerstörte Verbindung zwischen den beiden Städten.Use sinnbildlich when something stands for or represents an idea in an especially vivid way. It is often used in formal or literary contexts and is not the same as simply saying symbolisch in every case.
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Frequently asked questions
What does sinnbildlich mean in English?
It usually means “symbolic” or “figurative,” depending on context.
What is the difference between sinnbildlich and symbolisch?
Sinnbildlich often suggests a more vivid, image-based representation, while symbolisch is the more general word for “symbolic.”
How do you use sinnbildlich in a sentence?
You can say: “Die zerbrochene Uhr ist sinnbildlich für den Zeitverlust.”