das Schild
Translation
sign, signboard, plate, shield
Examples
Das ist ein Stoppschild.
This is a stop sign.
An der Tür hängt ein Schild.
A sign is hanging on the door.
Lesen Sie das Schild an der Wand.
Read the sign on the wall.
Grammar Patterns
ein Schild a sign/shield This is a sign.
das Schild lesen to read the sign Can you read the sign?
ein Schild an+3 a sign on sth. There is a sign on the door.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (das) Zeichen (sign), (die) Tafel (board). Note the gender difference: `der Schild` means 'shield' (for protection).
Etymology
From Old High German `scilt` ('shield'). Cognate with English 'shield'. The meaning 'sign' developed from the practice of painting coats of arms on shields.
Memory Tips
Think of a knight's 'shield' which has a 'sign' (coat of arms) on it. This connects both meanings: `der Schild` (shield) and `das Schild` (sign).