das Kennzeichen
Translation
sign, mark, characteristic, license plate
Examples
Das Auto hat ein deutsches Kennzeichen.
The car has a German license plate.
Fieber ist ein Kennzeichen der Krankheit.
Fever is a sign of the illness.
Das Kreuz ist ein Kennzeichen des Christentums.
The cross is a symbol of Christianity.
Grammar Patterns
a sign/characteristic ((of sth.)) Fever is a sign of the illness.
a sign ((for sth.)) The red flag was the sign for the meeting point.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Merkmal (feature), Symbol (symbol), Nummernschild (license plate)
Etymology
Composed of 'kennen' (to know) and 'Zeichen' (sign). Literally, a 'know-sign' or a sign that lets you know something.
Memory Tips
Think of a car's license plate. It's a 'knowing-sign' (Kenn-zeichen) that identifies the car.