English–German

“smile” in German

German

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlɛçl̩n/

Example

Das Baby lächelte.

The baby smiled.

Illustration for lächeln (smile)

How to say “smile” in German

“Smile” in German is lächeln.

A small, quiet facial expression that signals warmth, pleasure, or amusement.

Full entry for lächeln: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with lächeln

Er lächelte verlegen, als er das Geschenk bekam.

He smiled sheepishly when he received the gift.

Tips for using lächeln

  • For smiling at a person, German commonly uses separable anlächeln with an accusative object, as in Sie lächelt ihn an.

“smile” in other languages