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German frequency list

No. 4,618 in German

symbolisch

"Symbolisch" means "symbolic" in English.

In a sentence

  • Das Geschenk war nur symbolisch.

    The gift was merely symbolic.

    Here, 'symbolisch' is used to indicate that the action of giving the gift represents an idea rather than fulfilling a practical purpose.

  • Die Ruine ist symbolisch für die Vergänglichkeit.

    The ruin is symbolic for transience.

    In this case, 'symbolisch' emphasizes the representation of a concept or state via a visible structure.

  • Er hat sich symbolisch entschuldigt.

    He apologized symbolically.

    Here, 'symbolisch' signifies that the apology serves as a gesture rather than being a substantive rectification of the issue.

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