der
Hinblick
🧐 What does "der Hinblick" mean?
Der Hinblick is a masculine noun referring to a specific perspective, aspect, or point of view. It is almost exclusively used in the phrase "im Hinblick auf" (+ accusative case), which means "with regard to", "in view of", or "considering".
It expresses that something is being considered or done from a certain viewpoint.
🚨 Attention: The word used alone is very rare. The fixed phrase "im Hinblick auf" is the most common and important use case.
📐 Grammar of "Hinblick" in Detail
Der Hinblick is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Hinblick |
| Genitive | des | Hinblicks / Hinblickes |
| Dative | dem | Hinblick(e) |
| Accusative | den | Hinblick |
Declension Plural
The plural "die Hinblicke" is very rare and hardly ever used.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Hinblicke |
| Genitive | der | Hinblicke |
| Dative | den | Hinblicken |
| Accusative | die | Hinblicke |
📝 Example Sentences
- Im Hinblick auf die Kosten müssen wir das Projekt überdenken.
(Considering the costs, we need to rethink the project.) - Er äußerte sich nicht im Hinblick auf die Zukunftspläne des Unternehmens.
(He didn't comment with regard to the company's future plans.) - Diese Entscheidung wurde im Hinblick auf die Sicherheit der Mitarbeiter getroffen.
(This decision was made in view of employee safety.) - Wir prüfen die Bewerbungen sorgfältig, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die geforderte Berufserfahrung.
(We examine the applications carefully, especially with regard to the required professional experience.)
💡 How to use "der Hinblick"?
Der Hinblick almost exclusively appears in the fixed phrase "im Hinblick auf", followed by a noun or clause in the accusative case. This phrase belongs more to formal language (e.g., official documents, written language, academic texts).
- Context: Used to state the reference point or motivation for a statement or action.
- Comparison: Similar, but often less formal alternatives include "in Bezug auf" (regarding), "bezüglich" (concerning), "angesichts" (in view of), "wegen" (because of), or "hinsichtlich" (with respect to).
- Example: Instead of "Im Hinblick auf das schlechte Wetter sagen wir das Picknick ab" (Considering the bad weather, we are cancelling the picnic), one could also say "Wegen des schlechten Wetters sagen wir das Picknick ab." (Because of the bad weather, we are cancelling the picnic.) The version with "Hinblick" sounds more formal.
🧠 Mnemonics for Memorization
Article Mnemonic: Think of DER Blick (the look/gaze). When you look towards something (hinblicken), the gaze remains masculine: DER Blick. So, it's der Hinblick.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Im Hinblick auf etwas" means you are directing your gaze (Blick) towards (hin) a specific aspect or consideration.
↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Die Hinsicht: (aspect, respect; often used as 'in dieser Hinsicht' - in this respect)
- Die Berücksichtigung: (consideration; often 'unter Berücksichtigung von' - taking into account)
- Der Aspekt: (aspect)
- Der Gesichtspunkt: (point of view, aspect)
- Der Bezug: (reference; often 'in Bezug auf' - in relation to, regarding)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
Direct antonyms are difficult, as Hinblick sets a point of reference. The opposite would be the lack of reference or disregard.
- Die Missachtung: (disregard, non-observance)
- Die Ignoranz: (ignorance)
- Die Unberücksichtigung: (non-consideration, omission)
⚠️ Similar, Potentially Confusing Words
😄 A Little Joke
Warum tragen Brillenträger ihre Brille nie im Hinblick auf die Vergangenheit?
Weil sie einen Rückspiegel bräuchten!
(Why do people who wear glasses never wear them with regard to the past?
Because they would need a rear-view mirror!)
✍️ Poem about the Word
Im Hinblick auf die weite See,
spür' ich das Fernweh, oh wie weh.
Im Hinblick auf die Zeit, die rennt,
wird klar, was wirklich wichtig brennt.
(With regard to the wide sea,
I feel the wanderlust, oh dear me.
With regard to time that races fast,
it becomes clear what truly lasts.)
❓ Riddle
Ich bin ein Blick, doch schau nicht nur.
Ich lenke den Fokus auf eine Spur.
"Im ... auf" heißt meine Phrase fast immer,
ich bringe Struktur ins Gedanken-Gewimmer.
Was bin ich?
(I am a look, but don't just see.
I guide the focus towards a decree.
"With ... to" is my phrase most known,
I bring structure to thoughts wildly sown.
What am I?)
(Solution: Der Hinblick)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition
Der Hinblick is composed of:
- hin: prefix indicating direction towards something or someone.
- Blick: noun meaning look, gaze, or view.
Together, it suggests the idea of directing one's gaze towards something specific, hence considering an aspect.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hinblick?
The word Hinblick is always masculine: der Hinblick. It is almost exclusively used in the phrase im Hinblick auf (+ accusative), meaning "with regard to" or "considering".