das  Hinweisschild

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɪnvaɪsˌʃɪlt/

📜 What does 'das Hinweisschild' mean?

A Hinweisschild is a sign or notice that provides information, instructions, or warnings. It is used for orientation or points out specific circumstances, places, or rules. It is a neuter noun in German.

Examples:

• Ein Hinweisschild am Bahnhof zeigt den Weg zum Gleis. (A sign at the train station shows the way to the platform.)
• Ein Hinweisschild warnt vor einer nassen Fahrbahn. (A sign warns of a wet road surface.)
• Am Eingang des Museums hängt ein Hinweisschild mit den Öffnungszeiten. (At the museum entrance, there is a notice with the opening hours.)

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Hinweisschild

The word 'Hinweisschild' is a neuter noun. The definite article is das.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Hinweisschild war kaum zu lesen. (The sign was barely readable.)
2. Die Bedeutung des Hinweisschildes war unklar. (The meaning of the sign was unclear.)
3. Folge einfach dem Hinweisschild. (Just follow the sign.)
4. Ich habe das Hinweisschild übersehen. (I overlooked the sign.)
5. Die Hinweisschilder wurden erneuert. (The signs were renewed.)
6. Die Anweisungen der Hinweisschilder sind zu befolgen. (The instructions on the signs must be followed.)
7. Wir orientierten uns an den Hinweisschildern. (We oriented ourselves using the signs.)
8. Der Sturm beschädigte die Hinweisschilder. (The storm damaged the signs.)

🧭 Where do you encounter 'Hinweisschilder'?

Hinweisschilder (signs/notices) are ubiquitous and serve important functions:

• In traffic: They indicate dangers (e.g., „Achtung Baustelle!“ - Attention Construction Site!), specify speed limits, show directions (Wegweiser - signposts), or parking options.
• In buildings: They show emergency exits, restrooms, offices, or departments.
• In nature: They mark hiking trails, provide information about plants and animals, or indicate rules of conduct in protected areas.
• On devices or products: They give operating or safety instructions.
• At events: They guide visitors, indicate entrances and exits, or specific areas.

The term Hinweisschild is quite general and covers many more specific types of signs (e.g., Verkehrsschild - traffic sign, Warnschild - warning sign, Wegweiser - signpost).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article 'das': Think of 'das' for things that are just... that thing. A sign (Schild) is an object, often neutral in concept. It points something out, gives a hint ('Hinweis'). It's 'that sign' -> das Schild -> das Hinweisschild.

Meaning: Break it down: Hinweis means 'hint', 'clue', or 'notice'. Schild means 'sign' or 'shield'. So, a Hinweisschild is literally a 'notice-sign' or 'hint-sign'. It gives you a hint or notice about something.

↔️ Synonyms & Opposites

⚠️ Watch out for similar words:

• das Türschild: A sign specifically on a door (often with a name).
• das Firmenschild: A sign indicating a company.
• das Werbeschild: An advertising sign.

😂 A Little Joke

Frage: Was sagt ein schüchternes Hinweisschild?
Antwort: „Entschuldigung... darf ich Ihnen vielleicht einen kleinen Hinweis geben?“

Question: What does a shy sign say?
Answer: "Excuse me... could I perhaps give you a little hint?"

✍️ Poem about the 'Hinweisschild'

Ein Schild am Wegesrand,
fest in der Erde, wohlbekannt.
'Das Hinweisschild', so heißt es schlicht,
bringt Ordnung oft und klares Licht.

Mal warnt es, mal zeigt es das Ziel,
hilft Reisenden, und das nicht zu viel.
Ein stummer Diener, Tag und Nacht,
hat stets auf den Verkehr Acht.

--- English Translation ---

A sign beside the way,
firm in the earth, known well today.
'Das Hinweisschild', its name so plain,
brings order often, clear again.

Sometimes it warns, sometimes shows the goal,
helps travellers, not taking its toll.
A silent servant, day and night,
always watching traffic's light.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch spreche ich zu dir.
Ich zeige dir den Weg, steh oft an einer Tür.
Ich warne vor Gefahr, bin aus Metall, Holz, Plastik gemacht,
hab auf Regeln und Orte stets Acht.

Was bin ich?

--- English Translation ---

I have no mouth, yet I speak to you.
I show you the way, stand often by a door too.
I warn of danger, am made of metal, wood, plastic bright,
I always pay attention to rules and sites.

What am I? Solution: das Hinweisschild (the sign/notice)

🧩 Word Building Blocks

The word 'Hinweisschild' is a compound noun, composed of:

• der Hinweis: hint, clue, notice, reference
• das Schild: sign, shield, plate (often made of metal or plastic with writing or symbols)

Together, the meaning is: A sign that gives a hint or notice.