German word

Masche

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaʃə/

Meaning

  • feminine nountrick

Example

Ich kenne seine Masche schon lange.

I've known his trick for a long time.

Illustration for Masche (trick)

More examples

Er hat wieder eine neue Masche, um an das Geld zu kommen.

He has another new trick for getting the money.

Core concept

A linked mesh forms a trap-like pattern, much as a familiar ploy draws another person into a predictable situation.

Common phrases

  • typische Masche

    typical trick

  • jemanden mit einer Masche betrügen

    defraud someone with a trick

Similar words

Trick: A deceptive trick that takes advantage of attention or trust to fool someone.
Täuschung: A misleading act that distorts facts or information to deceive someone.
Betrug: An unlawful scheme to obtain money or other benefits through deception.
Taktik: A deliberate method for achieving a goal by anticipating another person's moves.

Definition in German

Masche bezeichnet einen geplanten Trick oder eine wiederholt angewandte List, daneben eine einzelne Masche beim Stricken.

Word origin

The German noun developed from Middle High German masche, meaning a mesh or loop, and extended that concrete image to a method of ensnaring someone.

Usage tips

  • Masche commonly combines with possessives such as seine and verbs such as durchschauen when referring to a person's characteristic ploy.

Other meanings

  • schemenoun
  • meshnoun

Opposites

  • Ehrlichkeithonestynoun

Word lists with this word