Bedeutung
/bəˈdɔʏ̯tʊŋ/feminine
The German word for "meaning" is Bedeutung.
Bedeutung is the most common translation for "meaning" in German, referring to the definition or connotation of a word. You can use it to discuss the significance of something, such as the meaning of a dream.
Meaning: definition or connotation of a word (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Bedeutung is a feminine noun. In the singular, the nominative and accusative forms are both die Bedeutung, while the genitive singular form is der Bedeutung. If you need to refer to more than one meaning, the plural is Bedeutungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈdɔʏ̯tʊŋ/
Did you know?
- The word Bedeutung shares its root with the English verb 'to betide', which means 'to happen' or 'to come to pass'.
- In German philosophy, particularly in the works of Gottlob Frege, a distinction is made between Bedeutung (reference) and Sinn (sense).
- In German, saying Das ergibt keinen Sinn is a common way to say 'that makes no sense', though purists argue it is an Anglicism influenced by 'that makes no sense'.
Examples in context
- Jeder Traum hat eine Bedeutung.Every dream has meaning.This example shows how to express that a dream possesses a meaning.Tatoeba #11827884 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5237052 by mailohilohi
- Die Bedeutung ändert sich nicht.The meaning doesn't change.This sentence demonstrates how to say a meaning is unchanging.Tatoeba #9363548 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11327841 by sundown
- Es gibt noch eine andere Bedeutung.There's another meaning, too.This is useful for noting that an additional meaning exists.Tatoeba #8819377 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2143118 by CK
- Die Bedeutung dieses Wortes ist unklar.The meaning of this word is unclear.
- Ich möchte den tieferen Sinn dieses Gedichts verstehen.I would like to understand the deeper meaning of this poem.
- Was ist die Bedeutung dieser Redewendung?What's the meaning of this phrase?
- Kannst du den Sinn dieses Satzes erklären?Can you explain the sense behind this sentence?
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are studying German vocabulary together.
- SarahLukas, was ist die Bedeutung von 'Fernweh'?Lukas, what is the meaning of 'Fernweh'?
- LukasEs bedeutet, dass man Sehnsucht nach der Ferne hat.It means that you have a longing for far-off places.
- SarahAh, jetzt verstehe ich die Bedeutung.Ah, now I understand the meaning.
- LukasKein Problem, Sarah, ich helfe dir gerne.No problem, Sarah, I am happy to help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meaning” translations and entries Bedeutung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bedeutung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
