English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com

figurative in German

figurative in German is übertragen, bildlich, figürlich — figurative means using words in a non-literal, symbolic way, such as through metaphor or simile, rather than their exact meaning.

figurative in German

übertragen
adj
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
bildlich
adj
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
figürlich
adj
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
metaphorisch
adj
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
symbolisch
adj
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
uneigentlich
adj
Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
im übertragenen Sinne
adj
Metaphorically so called.
bilderreich
adj
With many figures of speech.
sinnbildlich
adj
Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative
symbolisch
adj
Emblematic, symbolic; representative, exemplative

What does "figurative" mean?

  1. adj Using words in a non-literal, symbolic way, such as through metaphor or simile, rather than their exact meaning.
    ""Drowning in paperwork" is a figurative expression, not a literal one."
  2. adj In art, representing recognizable, lifelike forms rather than pure abstraction.
    "The gallery’s new exhibit focused on figurative painting rather than abstract work."
Vocabulary Flow
Learn more English words in German.
Vocabulary Flow serves English words with the German meaning, one at a time — pronunciation and an example each time. Scroll it either direction.
Learn English in German

figurative in a sentence

  • "Drowning in paperwork" is a figurative expression, not a literal one.
  • The gallery’s new exhibit focused on figurative painting rather than abstract work.

Common German translations

Frequently asked questions

What is "figurative" in German?

"figurative" in German is übertragen, bildlich, figürlich. figurative means: Using words in a non-literal, symbolic way, such as through metaphor or simile, rather than their exact meaning.

How do you use "figurative" in a sentence?

Example: ""Drowning in paperwork" is a figurative expression, not a literal one." In German, "figurative" is übertragen, bildlich, figürlich.

Are there other ways to say "figurative" in German?

Yes — German has 9 translations listed for "figurative": übertragen, bildlich, figürlich, metaphorisch, symbolisch, uneigentlich.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
Translations from WikDict, CC BY-SA · example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR.