The German translation for "seal" depends heavily on the context. Are you talking about a marine mammal, a wax seal, a seal of approval, or something else entirely? Let's explore the various possibilities:
Different Meanings, Different Words
Here's a breakdown of the most common meanings of "seal" and their corresponding German translations:
1. The Marine Mammal: Robbe
The most common translation for the marine mammal "seal" is Robbe. This is the word you'll want to use if you're discussing harbor seals, elephant seals, or any other pinniped. For example:
- English: I saw a seal basking in the sun.
- German: Ich habe eine Robbe in der Sonne liegen sehen.
2. A Wax Seal or Stamp: Siegel
If you're referring to a wax seal used for authentication or decoration, the German word is Siegel. This applies to both the physical object and the impression it makes. For example:
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English: The letter was sealed with a wax seal.
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German: Der Brief war mit einem Wachs-Siegel verschlossen.
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English: The company's seal of approval is a guarantee of quality.
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German: Das Siegel des Unternehmens ist ein Qualitätsgarant.
3. To Seal (as in to close tightly): Versiegeln
When you're talking about sealing something shut—like a container or an envelope—you'll use the verb versiegeln.
- English: Seal the package tightly.
- German: Versiegeln Sie das Paket gut.
4. A Seal (as in a contract): Abdichtung or Vertragssicherung
In the context of a contract or agreement, "seal" might refer to a confirmation or guarantee. Here, the translation is less direct and depends on the nuance:
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English: The deal was sealed with a handshake.
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German: Der Deal wurde mit einem Handschlag besiegelt (literally "sealed with a handshake"). A more literal but less common translation might be: Der Vertrag wurde durch einen Handschlag abgedichtet (sealed/tightened with a handshake)
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English: This contract requires a formal seal.
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German: Dieser Vertrag bedarf einer formellen Vertragssicherung (contract security/assurance).
5. Other Meanings:
Depending on the specific context, other translations might be appropriate. It's always best to consider the specific situation when choosing the correct German word.
Context is King
As you can see, the German translation for "seal" isn't straightforward. Always consider the context to ensure you choose the most accurate and appropriate word. If you're unsure, providing the sentence where you plan to use the word will allow for a more precise translation.
