ikonisch
The English word 'iconic' can be translated into German as ikonisch. Wiktionary also lists symbolhaft and bildhaft.
Meaning: representative of its type (adj)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| ikonisch |
| symbolhaft |
| bildhaft |
The term is used to describe something that is representative of its type. The form ikonisch is a loanword used in modern media and art contexts similarly to how 'iconic' is used in English.
Which one should you use?
While ikonisch refers to something being a representative icon, bildhaft is used in a descriptive sense to mean 'pictorial' or 'vivid', such as in the phrase bildhafte Sprache (vivid/pictorial language).
Did you know?
- In German linguistics, ikonisch refers to a 'sign' where the form resembles the meaning, such as a map resembling the terrain, rather than just being 'famous'.
- While ikonisch is common in media, traditional German speakers often prefer charakteristisch or typisch to describe something representative, as ikonisch can feel like an Anglicism.
- Using bildhaft to describe language (bildhafte Sprache) is a common way to describe metaphors, essentially calling the speech 'image-like'.
Examples in context
- Die Beatles sind eine legendäre Band.The Beatles are an iconic band.
- Dieser Film ist einfach hammer und hat kultigen Status erreicht.This movie is simply awesome and has reached iconic status.
- Das Design ist absolut ikonisch.The design is absolutely iconic.
- Sie ist eine ikonische Figur der Mode.She is an iconic figure of fashion.
- Das war ein ikonischer Moment der Geschichte.That was an iconic moment in history.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing a classic film in a cafe.
- LauraDer Film ist wirklich ikonisch.The film is truly iconic.
- JulianJa, die Musik ist auch ikonisch.Yes, the music is also iconic.
- LauraJulian, hast du die Szene gesehen?Julian, did you see the scene?
- JulianNatürlich, sie ist einfach unvergesslich.Of course, it is simply unforgettable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “iconic” translations and entries ikonisch, symbolhaft, bildhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
