Bedeutung vs. Sinn
While the German words Sinn and Bedeutung can both be translated as meaning in English, they are not interchangeable. They refer to distinct concepts, with Bedeutung relating to definition and significance, and Sinn relating to purpose and sense.
Bedeutung
A2The word Bedeutung refers to the definition of a word or the significance of something. It answers the question What does it mean? or What does it represent?. It is used for the semantic meaning of words, symbols, and the importance or consequence of events.
Können Sie mir die Bedeutung dieses Wortes erklären?
(Can you explain the meaning of this word to me?)
Die Entdeckung hatte eine große Bedeutung für die Wissenschaft.
(The discovery had great significance for science.)
Weiße Rosen haben in unserer Kultur eine besondere Bedeutung.
(White roses have a special meaning in our culture.)
Dieses Familienerbstück hat für mich eine tiefe persönliche Bedeutung.
(This family heirloom has a deep personal meaning for me.)
Die symbolische Bedeutung der Ringe bei einer Hochzeit ist die ewige Verbundenheit.
(The symbolic meaning of the rings at a wedding is eternal connection.)
Sinn
B1The word Sinn refers to the purpose, point, or reason behind an action or concept. It answers the question What is the point? or Why?. It is also used to refer to the five human senses and one's faculty for something, like a sense of humor.
Was ist der Sinn des Lebens?
(What is the meaning of life?)
Es hat keinen Sinn, bei diesem Wetter spazieren zu gehen.
(There is no point in going for a walk in this weather.)
Seine Erklärung ergibt für mich absolut keinen Sinn.
(His explanation makes absolutely no sense to me.)
Der tiefere Sinn des Films wurde erst am Ende klar.
(The deeper meaning of the movie only became clear at the end.)
Menschen haben fünf Sinne: Sehen, Hören, Riechen, Schmecken und Tasten.
(Humans have five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.)
Sie hat einen ausgezeichneten Sinn für Humor.
(She has an excellent sense of humor.)
Summary
In short, use Bedeutung when you are talking about the definition or significance of something (what it means). Use Sinn when you are talking about the purpose or point of something (why it's done or why it exists), or when referring to the human senses.