der  Hinweis

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɪnvaɪz/

💡 What does "der Hinweis" mean?

Der Hinweis (plural: die Hinweise) is a masculine noun and refers to a piece of information that draws attention to something, suggests something, or explains something. It can have various nuances:

• Hint or Tip: Useful information that helps someone. (Example: Er gab mir einen guten Hinweis, wo ich parken kann. - He gave me a good hint where I could park.)
• Clue or Lead: A sign or trace that points to something hidden or unknown. (Example: Die Polizei fand wichtige Hinweise am Tatort. - The police found important clues at the crime scene.)
• Note or Remark: Information added to something, often in writing (e.g., on signs, in texts). (Example: Bitte beachten Sie die Hinweise am Eingang. - Please note the information/signs at the entrance.)
• Reference: Information that refers to another place (e.g., in a book, on a website). (Example: Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter Hinweis [3]. - Further information can be found under reference [3].)

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the exact meaning of "Hinweis".

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Hinweis

The noun "Hinweis" is masculine. Here is its declension:

💬 Example Sentences

1. Danke für den hilfreichen Hinweis! (Thanks for the helpful hint!)
2. Die Fußspuren waren ein wichtiger Hinweis für die Ermittler. (The footprints were an important clue for the investigators.)
3. Auf dem Schild standen wichtige Hinweise zur Benutzung des Geräts. (The sign contained important notes/instructions on how to use the device.)
4. Ich habe einen anonymen Hinweis erhalten. (I received an anonymous tip.)
5. Beachten Sie bitte auch die Hinweise in der Bedienungsanleitung. (Please also note the information/instructions in the user manual.)

🗣️ How to use "Hinweis"?

"Hinweis" is a very common word in German, used in many contexts:

• Everyday life: To give or receive tips or advice. (e.g., "Ein kleiner Hinweis: Das Restaurant schließt bald." - "A little hint: The restaurant is closing soon.")
• Investigations: Police, detectives, or researchers look for Hinweise (clues, leads). (e.g., "Jeder Hinweis aus der Bevölkerung kann wichtig sein." - "Every tip/lead from the public can be important.")
• Instructions and signs: To point out rules, dangers, or important information. Often found as Warnhinweis (warning notice), Sicherheitshinweis (safety note), Benutzerhinweis (user note). (e.g., "Hinweis: Betreten auf eigene Gefahr." - "Note: Enter at your own risk.")
• Texts and documents: As a reference or note. (e.g., "Siehe Hinweis auf Seite 10." - "See reference/note on page 10.")

Distinction from similar words:

• Tipp: Often more informal and subjective than a Hinweis. A Tipp is usually a piece of advice.
• Andeutung: Much vaguer and more indirect than a Hinweis. An Andeutung merely suggests something.
• Beweis: A Beweis (proof, evidence) is much stronger than a Hinweis. A Hinweis might lead to Beweis, but isn't definitive confirmation itself.
• Notiz: A short written record, often for personal use. A Hinweis can be a Notiz, but not every Notiz is a Hinweis.

🧠 Mnemonics for Hinweis

Article Mnemonic (der): Think of a wise old man pointing (`weist hin`) with his finger (`der Finger`) giving you a Hinweis. "His" suggests masculine `der`.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Hinweis helps you find your way, it *points* (`weist`) *towards* (`hin`) the right information or direction. It gives you a *hint* towards something.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Hinweis

⚠️ Similar words & potential confusion:

• Beweis: (proof, evidence) - Stronger than Hinweis, confirms a fact.
• Nachweis: (proof, detection) - Shows the existence of something (e.g., chemical detection).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Detektive immer eine Lupe mit?
(Why do detectives always take a magnifying glass?)

Um auch den kleinsten Hinweisen auf der Spur zu sein!
(To track even the smallest clues!) 🕵️‍♂️

📜 Poem about the Hint

Ein kleiner Wink, ein leises Wort,
(A little nod, a quiet word,)
Ein Zeichen hier, ein Zettel dort.
(A sign right here, a note inferred.)
Der Hinweis, oft ganz unbenannt,
(The hint, often without a name,)
Führt dich durch unbekanntes Land.
(Guides you through an unknown frame.)
Mal leise, mal ein lauter Ruf,
(Sometimes quiet, sometimes a loud call,)
Ein Fingerzeig, den jemand schuf.
(A pointer that someone made for all.)
Er löst das Rätsel, zeigt den Pfad,
(It solves the riddle, shows the path,)
Ein guter Hinweis ist ein Schatz.
(A good hint is a treasure's math.)

❓ Riddle

Ich kann ein Tipp sein oder eine Spur,
(I can be a tip or a trace,)
Steh' auf Schildern, helf' dir auf der Tour.
(Stand on signs, help you in your race.)
Die Polizei sucht mich im Fall,
(The police look for me in a case,)
Ich bringe Licht oft überall.
(I often bring light to any place.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
(Answer: der Hinweis)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Hinweis" is composed of:

• hin: preposition/adverb indicating direction towards something or someone.
• Weis: Derived from the verb "weisen" (to point, to indicate, to show).

So, a Hinweis literally means something that *points towards* or *indicates* something else.

Related terms and compounds:

• hinweisen (auf): verb (to point out, to indicate) - Er wies auf den Fehler hin. (He pointed out the mistake.)
• Warnhinweis: A warning notice.
• Sicherheitshinweis: A safety note/instruction.
• Benutzerhinweis: A user note/instruction.
• Quellenhinweis: Source reference.
• Hinweisschild: An information sign, pointer sign.