The Asymmetrical Relationship Between Germanand Chinese Word Meanings

Based on theories of taxonomy of word meanings and the relationship of word meanings and culture,the paper makes an analysis of the asymmetrical relationship between German and Chinese word meanings,illustrated by words closely related to ethnic culture,such as appelation words and color words.The study is helpful for foreign language learners to really master word meanings so that they can avoid pragmatic mistakes,thus contributing to foreign language teaching,translating and cross-cultural communication.