German word

grinsen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁɪnzən/

Meaning

  • verbgrin

Example

Er grinst die ganze Zeit.

He's been grinning the whole time.

Illustration for grinsen (grin)

More examples

Sie grinst schelmisch, als sie den Witz hört.

She grins mischievously when she hears the joke.

Core concept

A narrow toothy smile that can signal amusement, smugness, or mockery.

Common phrases

  • schelmisch grinsen

    grin mischievously

  • breit grinsen

    grin broadly

  • jdn. grinst an

    grin at ___

Similar words

lächeln: A gentle smile that softens the mouth and often shows warmth or affection.
lachen: Loud laughter that expresses strong amusement or surprise.
schmunzeln: A restrained smile showing private amusement.
kichern: A small, breathy laugh linked to shyness or secret amusement.

Definition in German

ein schmales, oft selbstzufriedenes oder spöttisches Lächeln mit sichtbaren Zähnen zeigen

Word origin

German grinsen developed from Old High German grīnan and Middle High German grinsen, meaning to show the teeth, and is related to English grin.

Usage tips

  • The separable verb angrinsen takes an accusative object, as in 'Er grinste mich an' for 'He grinned at me.'

Other meanings

  • smile smuglyverb

Opposites

  • runzelnfrownverb

Related words

  • das Grinsengrinnoun
  • angrinsengrin at ___verb

Word lists with this word