der  Wink

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/vɪŋk/

👋 What Exactly is a 'Wink'?

The word der Wink (noun, masculine) in German primarily refers to two things:

• A (subtle) sign or signal: A gesture, often made with the hand or eyes, to attract attention, beckon someone, or indicate something. Example: Ein schneller Wink mit der Hand (A quick wave of the hand).
• An (indirect) hint or tip: An allusion or piece of advice that isn't stated directly but rather needs to be understood between the lines. Example: Er gab mir einen Wink, wo ich suchen sollte (He gave me a hint where I should look).

⚠️ It represents a form of non-verbal or very subtle verbal communication.

🧐 Grammar of 'der Wink' in Detail

The noun "Wink" is masculine, so the article is der. Here are the declension tables:

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Kellner gab uns einen Wink, dass ein Tisch frei wurde.
   (The waiter gave us a sign that a table became available.)
2. Ich habe seinen Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl verstanden.
   (I understood his blatantly obvious hint - literally 'hint with the fence post'.)
3. Die leisen Winke in ihrer Rede waren nur für Eingeweihte verständlich.
   (The subtle hints in her speech were only understandable to initiates.)
4. Ein kurzer Wink des Dirigenten genügte.
   (A brief gesture from the conductor was enough.)

💡 How to Use 'Wink' Correctly

Context is Key:

• Gestures: Often used in the context of non-verbal communication. "Ein Wink zum Abschied" (A wave goodbye), "jemandem zuwinken" (to wave at someone).
• Hints: Used when information is conveyed subtly or indirectly. Often found in phrases like "ein Wink des Schicksals" (a sign of fate/destiny) or "ein Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl" (a very obvious hint).

Distinguishing from Similar Words:

• Hinweis (Hint/Clue): Can be more direct than a Wink. A Wink is usually more subtle.
• Zeichen (Sign/Mark): A broader term. A Wink is a specific type of Zeichen (often a gesture or allusion).
• Signal (Signal): Similar to Zeichen, often more technical or agreed upon (e.g., Lichtsignal - traffic light). A Wink is more human and often spontaneous.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the Article (der): Think of a man giving you a hint. In German, 'man' is 'der Mann'. So, der Mann gives der Wink.

For the Meaning (Hint/Gesture): A Wink is often quick, like 'winking' an eye (Augenzwinkern in German involves 'wink'). It's a small gesture or a small hint.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch Out for Confusion?

The verb "winken" (to wave, to beckon) is clearly related, but it describes the action, whereas "der Wink" is the noun representing the result or the act itself.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum sind Skelette so schlecht im Lügen?
Man sieht sofort durch sie hindurch – da hilft auch kein subtiler Wink! 😉

(Why are skeletons so bad at lying?
You can see right through them – even a subtle hint (Wink) doesn't help!)

📜 A Poem about 'der Wink'

Ein leiser Wink, kaum zu erkennen,
Ein Fingerzeig, man muss ihn kennen.
Mal eine Geste, kurz und klein,
Mal ein Hinweis, fein und rein.

Der Wink des Schicksals, groß und schwer,
Ein Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl, noch viel mehr.
Verstehst du ihn, den stillen Ruf?
Der Wink verrät's, ganz ohne Tuf.

(A quiet hint, barely seen,
A pointer, must know what it means.
Sometimes a gesture, short and small,
Sometimes a clue, pure and tall.

The wink of fate, vast and grave,
A hint with a fence post, much more brave.
Do you grasp it, the silent call?
The hint reveals, without a brawl.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich kann mit der Hand gemacht sein oder nur gedacht.
Ich gebe einen Rat, oft leise über Nacht.
Manchmal bin ich deutlich, wie ein Pfahl am Zaun geschwenkt.
Wer bin ich, der dir Zeichen gibt, wenn niemand an dich denkt?

(I can be made with a hand or just be a thought.
I give advice, often quietly sought.
Sometimes I'm obvious, like a fence post waved around.
Who am I, giving signs when no one else is found?)

Solution: der Wink

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition & Origin:

The word "Wink" comes from the Old High German verb "winkan," which meant "to move back and forth" or "to sway." The meaning of a gesture or sign developed from this.

Common Idioms:

• Ein Wink mit dem Zaunpfahl: (lit. a hint with a fence post) A very obvious, hard-to-miss hint.
• Ein Wink des Schicksals: (A wink/sign of fate/destiny) An event interpreted as a sign for the future.
• Jemandem einen Wink geben: (To give someone a hint/sign) To provide someone with a clue or signal.