der  Indikator

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪndikaˈtoːɐ̯/

🎯 What Exactly is an Indikator?

Der Indikator (noun, masculine) is a versatile German term, primarily used in scientific, technical, and economic contexts. It generally refers to something that indicates, shows, or measures a specific state, development, or characteristic.

Here are the main meanings:

• Indicator/Pointer/Sign: Something that points to or reveals something else. Example: Rauch ist oft ein Indikator für Feuer (Smoke is often an indicator of fire).
• Measuring Agent (Science/Technology): A substance (e.g., in chemistry, a *pH-Indikator*) or a device that makes a specific property or change measurable or visible. Example: Lackmuspapier ist ein einfacher pH-Indikator (Litmus paper is a simple pH indicator).
• Key Figure/Metric (Economics/Social Sciences): A statistical value that provides information about a specific condition or trend. Example: Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP) ist ein wichtiger Wirtschaftsindikator (The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an important economic indicator).

⚠️ The word is exclusively masculine: der Indikator. Using other articles (*die* or *das*) is incorrect.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Indikator

The word "Indikator" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Chemiker fügte einen Indikator zur Lösung hinzu, um den pH-Wert zu bestimmen.
   The chemist added an indicator to the solution to determine the pH value.
2. Die Arbeitslosenquote gilt als wichtiger Indikator für die wirtschaftliche Lage eines Landes.
   The unemployment rate is considered an important indicator of a country's economic situation.
3. Ein plötzlicher Abfall der Kundenzufriedenheit kann ein früher Indikator für Probleme sein.
   A sudden drop in customer satisfaction can be an early indicator of problems.
4. Viele verschiedene Indikatoren werden zur Beurteilung der Umweltqualität herangezogen.
   Many different indicators are used to assess environmental quality.

💡 How "Indikator" is Used

The term "Indikator" is rather formal and often used in specific fields:

• Chemie/Biologie (Chemistry/Biology): *pH-Indikatoren*, *Redox-Indikatoren* show chemical states.
• Wirtschaft/Soziologie (Economics/Sociology): *Konjunkturindikatoren* (economic indicators), *Sozialindikatoren* (social indicators), *Leistungsindikatoren* (KPIs - Key Performance Indicators) describe trends and conditions.
• Technik (Technology): Measuring instruments or displays can be referred to as *Indikatoren* (e.g., a warning light - *eine Kontrollleuchte*).
• Alltagssprache (Everyday language): Less common, but possible to describe a sign or clue (e.g., "Seine Nervosität war ein klarer Indikator dafür, dass etwas nicht stimmte." - His nervousness was a clear indicator that something was wrong.).

Compared to *Anzeichen* (sign) or *Hinweis* (clue), *Indikator* is more specific and often implies measurability or systematic observation.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'indicator' showing something *dire* (DER). Or associate it with masculine roles often linked to measuring or pointing things out (like *der Ingenieur* - the engineer).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds very similar to the English 'indicator'. An Indikator is something that 'indicates' something important.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• Index: Related (often points to something), but more specific (e.g., stock index, book index).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chemielehrer: "Was ist der beste Indikator dafür, dass Samstag ist?"
Schüler: "Wenn Sie nicht hier sind!" 😄

Translation:
The chemistry teacher asks: "What's the best indicator that it's Saturday?"
Student: "When you're not here!" 😄

📜 A Short Poem

Der Indikator, klug und fein,
zeigt an, was grad mag wichtig sein.
In Rot, in Blau, als Zahl im Licht,
verrät er uns die Zuversicht,
Ob Wirtschaft brummt, ob Säure wirkt,
sein Hinweis oft die Wahrheit birgt.

Translation:
The indicator, clever and fine,
Shows what might be important right now.
In red, in blue, as a number in the light,
It reveals confidence to us,
Whether the economy booms, or acid reacts,
Its clue often holds the truth.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch ich spreche Bände.
Ich messe und ich zeige, ohne Hände.
In Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft bin ich oft zu Haus,
mal als Zahl, mal Farbwechsel – wer bin ich? Finde es heraus!

Translation:
I have no voice, yet I speak volumes.
I measure and I show, without hands.
In science and economics, I am often found,
Sometimes as a number, sometimes a color change – who am I? Find out!

Solution: der Indikator (the indicator)

ℹ️ Additional Information

Wortherkunft (Word Origin): The word "Indikator" comes from the Latin verb indicare, meaning "to show", "to point out", or "to indicate". The noun indicator in Latin means "one who points out".

Zusammensetzungen (Compounds): There are many compound words, e.g.: *pH-Indikator* (pH indicator), *Wirtschaftsindikator* (economic indicator), *Frühindikator* (leading indicator), *Spätindikator* (lagging indicator), *Leistungsindikator* (performance indicator, KPI), *Geruchsindikator* (odor indicator).