In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe things with deep importance or impact.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'haben' (to have).
- Works in both professional meetings and personal heart-to-hearts.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe something that is deeply important or carries a lot of weight. It is the German way of saying something really matters to you or to society.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a family heirloom
Diese Uhr hat eine große Bedeutung für meine Familie.
This watch has great significance for my family.
In a business meeting
Dieses Projekt hat eine große Bedeutung für unsere Firma.
This project is of great significance to our company.
Texting a friend about a favor
Deine Hilfe hat eine große Bedeutung für mich, danke!
Your help means a lot to me, thanks!
Cultural Background
In German corporate culture, 'Bedeutung' is often linked to 'Nachhaltigkeit' (sustainability). A project is only seen as having 'große Bedeutung' if it has long-term value. Austrians might use 'Stellenwert' (status/value) as a synonym for 'Bedeutung' in social contexts, emphasizing the 'place' something holds in society. In Swiss German politics, 'Bedeutung' is often used when discussing 'Kantönligeist' (cantonal spirit) and the importance of local autonomy. In German universities, 'Bedeutung' is a technical term in linguistics and philosophy (Semantik). Students must distinguish between 'Bedeutung' (reference) and 'Sinn' (sense).
Use with 'gewinnen'
Say 'an Bedeutung gewinnen' to describe something that is becoming more important over time. It sounds very native!
Don't forget the article
It's almost always 'EINE große Bedeutung'. Leaving out the 'eine' sounds robotic.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe things with deep importance or impact.
- Commonly paired with the verb 'haben' (to have).
- Works in both professional meetings and personal heart-to-hearts.
What It Means
Große Bedeutung is your go-to phrase for things that aren't just 'important,' but truly significant. It suggests depth, impact, or a long-lasting effect. Think of it as the difference between a grocery list and a wedding ring. One is wichtig (important), the other has große Bedeutung (great significance).
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the verb haben (to have) or beimessen (to attribute). If you want to say something matters, say: Das hat eine große Bedeutung für mich. It sounds elegant and thoughtful. You can use it for objects, events, or even abstract ideas like freedom or friendship. It is a flexible tool for your linguistic belt.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound sincere and serious. It works perfectly in a job interview when discussing your values. It is also great for heart-to-heart talks with friends. If a friend gives you a small gift, saying it has große Bedeutung shows you truly cherish the gesture. It elevates the conversation instantly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial things unless you are being sarcastic. If you say your choice of breakfast cereal has große Bedeutung, people might think you are a bit dramatic. Avoid it for quick, functional tasks. For those, just stick to the simple word wichtig. Also, don't confuse it with Großartige Bedeutung, which sounds a bit clunky and unnatural.
Cultural Background
Germans often value depth and 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness). Using a phrase like große Bedeutung aligns with this cultural trait. It shows you have reflected on the value of something. Historically, German philosophy and literature are obsessed with the 'meaning' of things. By using this phrase, you are tapping into that rich intellectual tradition. It makes you sound like a deep thinker.
Common Variations
You might hear von großer Bedeutung sein. This is the slightly fancier, more formal version. If something is even more important, you can say eine enorme Bedeutung. If it is the most important thing ever, use eine zentrale Bedeutung. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor to how much you care.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans slightly towards formal or serious contexts. In spoken German, ensure you emphasize 'große' to show the scale of the importance.
Use with 'gewinnen'
Say 'an Bedeutung gewinnen' to describe something that is becoming more important over time. It sounds very native!
Don't forget the article
It's almost always 'EINE große Bedeutung'. Leaving out the 'eine' sounds robotic.
The 'Serious' German
Using this phrase in a debate shows you are taking the other person's argument seriously, which is highly valued in German discourse.
Examples
6Diese Uhr hat eine große Bedeutung für meine Familie.
This watch has great significance for my family.
Shows emotional value and history.
Dieses Projekt hat eine große Bedeutung für unsere Firma.
This project is of great significance to our company.
Highlights the strategic weight of the task.
Deine Hilfe hat eine große Bedeutung für mich, danke!
Your help means a lot to me, thanks!
A warm way to show deep appreciation.
Der Mauerfall war von großer Bedeutung für Europa.
The fall of the Wall was of great significance for Europe.
Uses the formal 'von... sein' structure.
Oh nein, der Fleck auf meinem Schuh hat natürlich eine große Bedeutung!
Oh no, the stain on my shoe is obviously of great significance!
Using a heavy phrase for a small problem creates humor.
Musik hat eine große Bedeutung in meinem Leben.
Music plays a significant role in my life.
Expresses a personal passion.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'groß' and 'Bedeutung'.
Gesunde Ernährung hat eine _______ _______ für Sportler.
Since 'Bedeutung' is feminine and in the accusative case (after 'hat eine'), the adjective ending is '-e'.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Select the formal version:
The construction 'von großer Bedeutung sein' combined with 'Angelegenheit' and 'Unternehmen' makes it highly formal.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are standard translations for these collocations.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Warum lernst du so viel? B: Weil dieser Test eine _______ _______ für meine Note hat.
Again, feminine accusative requires 'eine große Bedeutung'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Wichtig vs. Große Bedeutung
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGesunde Ernährung hat eine _______ _______ für Sportler.
Since 'Bedeutung' is feminine and in the accusative case (after 'hat eine'), the adjective ending is '-e'.
Select the formal version:
The construction 'von großer Bedeutung sein' combined with 'Angelegenheit' and 'Unternehmen' makes it highly formal.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard translations for these collocations.
A: Warum lernst du so viel? B: Weil dieser Test eine _______ _______ für meine Note hat.
Again, feminine accusative requires 'eine große Bedeutung'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it's better to say 'Du bist mir sehr wichtig' or 'Du hast einen hohen Stellenwert in meinem Leben'. 'Du hast eine große Bedeutung für mich' sounds a bit like a movie script—very dramatic.
'Bedeutung' is about importance or dictionary definition. 'Sinn' is about logic, purpose, or the five senses. You 'make sense' (Sinn ergeben) but you 'have importance' (Bedeutung haben).
It's not 'too' formal, but it is 'deep'. Use it when you are having a heart-to-heart conversation, not when deciding which movie to watch.
Use 'von geringer Bedeutung'. It's the perfect formal opposite.
Because 'von' is a dative preposition. 'Bedeutung' is feminine, and the dative feminine ending for an adjective without a definite article is '-er'.
Yes, if a word has multiple definitions. 'Dieses Wort hat viele Bedeutungen.'
The most common are 'haben' (to have), 'sein' (to be of), 'gewinnen' (to gain), 'verlieren' (to lose), and 'beimessen' (to attach).
Absolutely. It is a staple of business German for reports, presentations, and negotiations.
Only if you are talking about the cultural significance of a dish, not if it just tastes good.
Die Bedeutungen.
Just use the adjective 'bedeutend' (significant). 'Das ist bedeutend.'
Yes, 'significance' is the best English translation for 'Bedeutung' in this context.
Related Phrases
wichtig
similarimportant
maßgeblich
specialized formdecisive/influential
belanglos
contrastirrelevant/trivial
der Stellenwert
synonymstatus/significance
eine Rolle spielen
similarto play a role
