German word

Sinn

Pronunciation

IPA/zɪn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmeaning

Example

Den Sinn dieses Satzes verstehe ich nicht.

I don't understand what this sentence means.

Illustration for Sinn (meaning)

More examples

Ich sehe den Sinn darin, jeden Tag zu üben.

I see the point of practicing every day.

Core concept

A guiding point that connects details into an understandable meaning or worthwhile purpose.

Common phrases

  • der Sinn von ...

    the meaning of ___

  • Sinn machen

    make sense

Similar words

Bedeutung: The meaning conveyed by a word or other sign.
Zweck: The concrete purpose an action or object is directed toward.
Nutzen: The useful effect or advantage provided by an action or object.
Absicht: The aim a person has when deciding to act.

Definition in German

der innere Zusammenhang oder Zweck, durch den etwas sinnvoll oder bedeutsam wird

Word origin

Sinn developed from the Old High German noun sin, associated with thought and intention, into a word for meaning, sense, and purpose.

Usage tips

  • In Sinn für Musik, Sinn means an aptitude or sensitivity for something and is followed by für plus the accusative.

Other meanings

  • purposenoun
  • sensenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word