German word

andeuten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌdɔɪ̯tən/

Meaning

  • verbhint at

Example

Die Chefin deutet an, dass es bald Veränderungen gibt.

The boss hints that there will soon be changes.

Illustration for andeuten (hint at)

More examples

Kannst du mir andeuten, was du meinst?

Can you hint at what you mean?

Core concept

A sign points toward a conclusion while leaving the final step to the observer.

Common phrases

  • mit einem Wink andeuten

    hint at with a gesture

  • eine Veränderung andeuten

    hint at a change

Similar words

anspielen: To allude indirectly to a subject or person.
durchblicken lassen: To let a hidden meaning show through words or behavior.
unterstellen: To imply unfounded blame or malicious intent.
implizieren: To imply another meaning or conclusion without stating it directly.

Definition in German

durch Andeutungen etwas mitteilen, ohne klare Worte zu wählen.

Word origin

Andeuten combines the separable prefix an- with deuten, meaning to interpret or indicate, and directs attention toward something without fully stating it.

Usage tips

  • In a finite clause, an- separates: Die Chefin deutet Veränderungen an; it stays attached in the infinitive and participle.

Other meanings

  • suggestverb
  • implyverb

Opposites

Related words

  • andeutendhintingadjective

Word lists with this word