Jeleként

Jeleként is a Hungarian grammatical form meaning “as signs” or “as a sign.” It functions as a postpositional phrase that indicates the role or function of something within a clause. It is built from jel (sign) with the plural jelek and the suffix -ként, which in Hungarian expresses “in the capacity of” or “as.” The basic singular form is jelként; jeleként is used when the referent is plural or when the speaker chooses the plural form of the noun before adding the suffix.

In usage, jeleként often appears to frame a comparison or a symbolic interpretation. It can refer to literal signs (signposts, symbols) or to symbolic roles (a person serving as a sign of unity). It is commonly found in formal prose, journalism, and academic writing.

Examples:

- Az útjelző tábla jelként szolgál. (The road sign acts as a sign/indicator.)

- A zászlók jeleként szolgáltak az ünnepségen. (The flags served as symbols for the ceremony.)

Notes:

- Jeleként is distinguished from jelként; jelként is the singular form “as a sign,” while jeleként is used with plural referents or for stylistic reasons.

- The suffix -ként attaches to the noun stem, sometimes with vowel harmony adjustments.

See also: jel, -ként suffix, Hungarian grammar.