German flag

Figurativ vs. bildlich vs. übertragen

Word practice demo
The German words figurativ, bildlich, and übertragen all relate to non-literal or metaphorical meanings, but they have distinct usages and nuances. Here, their differences are explained with diverse examples for better understanding.

Figurativ

B2
Figurativ refers to something figurative, meaning it is symbolic or metaphorical and not to be understood literally. This term is often used in the context of language, art, or interpretation.
Ein 'Herz aus Gold' ist eine figurative Redewendung, die Großzügigkeit beschreibt.
(A heart of gold is a figurative expression describing generosity.)
Die Kunstwerke dieser Epoche hatten oft figurativen Charakter.
(The artworks of this era often had a figurative character.)

Bildlich

B1
Bildlich means visual or metaphorical, often referring to language or expressions that create vivid, visual imagery but can also function metaphorically. It sometimes emphasizes how the language paints a picture in the mind when understood.
Er sprach bildlich von einem Ozean der Möglichkeiten.
(He spoke metaphorically of an ocean of possibilities.)
Der Lehrer erklärte das Konzept bildlich, indem er ein Diagramm zeichnete.
(The teacher explained the concept visually by drawing a diagram.)

Übertragen

B1
Übertragen refers specifically to a transferred or metaphorical meaning of a word or phrase. This word is closely related to metaphorical usage in language and often points out that something should not be interpreted literally.
Das Wort 'Mauer' wurde hier im übertragenen Sinn verwendet, um emotionale Distanz zu beschreiben.
(The word wall was used here in a metaphorical sense to describe emotional distance.)
Im übertragenen Sinne hat sie wirklich Berge versetzt.
(In a figurative sense, she really moved mountains.)

Summary

While figurativ, bildlich, and übertragen all share connections to metaphorical or non-literal meanings, their nuances differ. Figurativ emphasizes symbolic or abstract interpretations, especially in art and language. Bildlich highlights vivid, often visual, imagery or metaphorical expression. Übertragen specifically refers to a transferred, non-literal meaning of words or phrases. Understanding these differences helps in using these terms more accurately.