German Conversation · Level 50
75 words
German word
klingen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈklɪŋən/
Meaning
- verbsound
Example
Deine Stimme klingt traurig.
Your voice sounds sad.
More examples
Die Erklärung klingt plausibel.
The explanation sounds plausible.
Core concept
The ear catches a sound and recognizes what kind of tone or resonance it carries.
Common phrases
gut klingen
sound good
plausibel klingen
sound plausible
komisch klingen
sound strange
Similar words
hören: Take in a sound or voice directly through the ears.
zuhören: Listen attentively to what a speaker is saying.
sich anhören: Have a noticeable sound or impression when heard.
anhören: Listen to a sound or spoken material intentionally all the way through.
Definition in German
Als Geräusch oder Stimme hörbar wirken und dabei beim Zuhörer einen Eindruck vermitteln.
Word origin
Klingen developed in German from an inherited Germanic root associated with ringing or resonant sounds.
Usage tips
- Klingen nach plus the dative expresses resemblance to a sound or impression, as in Das klingt nach einem Plan.