Signalisieren

Signalisieren is a German verb meaning to signal or indicate: to convey information by signs, gestures, or signals. It can refer to conveying a message to another person, to warn, to show intent, or to mark something as present or particular. In everyday language, one can say “er signalisierte seine Zustimmung” (he signaled his approval) or “mit Gesten signalisieren, dass man gehen möchte” (to signal with gestures that one wishes to leave). In technical contexts, signalisieren appears in traffic and railway signaling, where operators or devices transmit explicit instructions or warnings. In computing and telecommunications, Signalisierung denotes signaling protocols that coordinate communication between systems.

Etymology: Signalisieren is formed with the noun Signal plus the German suffix -isieren, meaning to make into or to act with signals. The term ultimately derives from the Latin signum via the German word Signal.

Noun forms: The process is Signalisierung (signaling). The signals themselves are Signale (plural) and Signal (singular). The noun Signalisierung covers the act of signaling, while Signal refers to a signal object, such as a traffic light, a semaphore, or a light on a device.

Usage notes: Signalisieren differs from Anzeigen (to indicate or announce) and Implizieren (to imply) in nuance: it emphasizes conveying information through signs or cues, rather than stating it directly. In many contexts, signalisieren implies a response or acknowledgment from the recipient is expected.

See also: Signal, Signaling, Signalisierung, Gestik.